Kilmarnock and Dundee United shared the spoils in an entertaining clash at
Rugby Park.
Killie were coasting after strikes by Ally Mitchell and Chris Innes before
United hit back through Steven Thompson and then Craig Easton six minutes from
time.
The game was never going to be anything other than a mid-table tussle, but
there were positive signs for both Jim Jefferies and Alex Smith in time for the
close-season assessment of their respective squads.
At least for United they managed to secure their first point of the season
against the Ayrshire men and they deserved a point for their resilience.
Kilmarnock started brightly and after 15 minutes they had a double threat on
goal when both Andy McLaren and Jim McIntyre were denied.
Just on the half-hour Mark McLaren was alert again but he lifted the ball over
both Paul Gallacher and the post following a great ball from Boyd.
The first half was all Killie, and in the 39th they had a legitimate penalty
claim waived aside when Peter Canero was tripped by Jim Patterson.
It mattered little as Kilmarnock went in front three minutes before the break,
when Mitchell - captain for the day - looped a header over Gallacher from
Stephen Murray left-wing cross.
United were caught cold two minutes after the re-start when Killie grabbed the
second.
Innes will not have an easier goal as he bumbled the ball home from close
range from Mitchell's in-swinging corner.
It looked to be the decisive moment, and it looked like no way back for the
Tangerines but after some heavy pressure they pulled a goal back after 64
minutes.
From substitute Stephen O'Donnell's right wing cross Thompson was on hand to
power home a six-yard header to give the visitors some hope.
The goal seemed to put an extra spring in their step, and with Kilmarnock fast
losing momentum it was no surprise when United equalised, Easton crashing a
fantastic 25-yard shot into the top right-hand corner to grab a point.
With minutes remaining the stage was left for veteran midfield Durrant to take
the plaudits when he replaced Murray.
It was certainly a poignant moment for both the Rangers man and the home
supporters as he now looks forward to a chapter in coaching at Kilmarnock.
Teams:
Kilmarnock: Meldrum, Shields, Innes, Sanjuan,
Dillon (Canning 81), Canero, Mahood, Mitchell,
Murray (Durrant 88), Boyd, McLaren.
Subs Not Used: Stewart, McCutcheon, McDonald.
Goals: Mitchell 43, Innes 47.
Dundee Utd: Gallacher (Jarvie 45), Duff, McCracken, Griffin,
Aljofree, Venetis, Easton, Miller, Paterson (Winters 78),
McIntyre (O'Donnell 56), Thompson.
Subs Not Used: McConalogue, Carson.
Booked: O'Donnell, Miller.
Goals: Thompson 65, Easton 84.
Att: 6,142
Ref: A Freeland (Scotland).
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