Kilmarnock and Motherwell shared the points in a match that produced plenty of
excitement despite the lack of goals.
Pat Nevin, who moved from Killie to the Lanarkshire side recently, was a real
handful for his former colleagues on his return to Rugby Park.
The veteran winger went through his full range of tricks as he turned in a
vintage performance.But Killie too carried a threat. Jerome Vareille
tormented Steve McMillan during the whole 90 minutes.
Both sides found it difficult to deal with the windy conditions although they
did manage to serve up an entertaining 90 minutes for the noisy and appreciative
fans.
Kilmarnock, whose home form has been disappointing this season, took some time
to get into their stride.
The visitors had the best of the early play and Gordon Marshall had to look
smart as he raced clear to deny Owen Coyle.
But soon Killie began to create some opportunities in the 'Well defence as
they took a grip.
Ally Mitchell got on the end of a Vareille pass and was unlucky to see his
shot deflect off Shaun Teale and go out for a corner.
After 25 minutes Martin Baker almost broke the deadlock when he stole in at
the back post to steer a Vareille cross just wide of the goal, then Mikko Keven
pulled off a tremendous save to deny Vareille who unleashed a powerful shot from
15 yards.
Kilmarnock continued to assert their authority and they were again unlucky
when Paul Wright's shot took another deflection to safety.
The second half saw Killie continue to dominate but they were continually let
down with the final pass failed to reach its intended target.
In the 56th minute Wright missed the chance of the game when he misshit the
ball a couple of yards from goal after being set up by Kevin McGowne.
On the hour mark the Motherwell fans were raging when referee Douglas McDonald
failed to give the free kick three yards out after Marshall picked up a McGowne
pass-back.
In a hectic finish Motherwell captain Shaun Teale was lucky to stay on the
park when he floored Vareille with a strong tackle and then accused him of
diving.
Team mate Jamie McGowan and John Spencer were also yellow-carded as were
Martin Baker and Ian Durrant of Killie.
Teams:
Kilmarnock: Marshall, MacPherson, Montgomerie, McGowne, Holt,
Wright (Mahood 78), Durrant (Burke 86), Mitchell,
Vareille (Bagan 78), Baker, Roberts.
Subs Not Used: Reilly, Strain.
Booked: Durrant, Baker.
Motherwell: Kaven, May (McClair 60), McMillan, McGowan, Valakari,
Coyle, Doesburg, Teale, Nevin (Adams 74), Spencer, Brannan.
Subs Not Used: Craigen, Ramsey, Bannister.
Booked: McGowan, Teale, Spencer.
Att: 10,176
Ref: D McDonald (Edinburgh).
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