Killie Go Into Winter Shutdown Only 3 Points Out Of First Place In The SPL.

Motherwell 1 Kilmarnock 2
(Scot Premier Division, Match 21, Fir Park, Jan 1st 1999)

SO FULL of good intentions are Motherwell and Kilmarnock that, in the manner of conscientious pupils, they ought to receive a gold star in addition to any points that come their way. Only in the 86th minute did Kilmarnock manage to prove that they are the more impressive member of the present Scottish Premier League class.

It was possible then to tell the sides apart by their reactions. That late winner from Kevin McGowne keeps Kilmarnock loping along behind Rangers, the leaders. The gap is three points, but in the Old Firm fixture tomorrow the Ibrox club have the opportunity to extend their advantage. Kilmarnock will be gratified by a stretching exercise of their own.

Their successful form has been dragged out to span the turn from one year to the next. Perhaps it is bound to snap eventually, but Bobby Williamson's team have no need to apologise for pouncing in the closing stages to win this splendid game. They were only copying their betters. On Wednesday, Rangers overcome Dundee United in a similar fashion. That kind of expertise matters as much as technique or flair.

It is strange how nuances can alter a result. Instead of clinching victory, McGowne, a defender, would not have struck his drive at all had it not been for the advice of a veteran goal-poacher in his team who understands the value of greed and knows when to commend it to others. Ally McCoist had set up the opportunity with a challenge and then provided additional assistance by yelling at his team-mate.

"I was going to take a touch," McGowne said, "but McCoist told me to shoot." From 25 yards, a bobbling drive found the corner of the net. Motherwell had been dealt with harshly. A cut-price admission policy has lured new supporters to Fir Park and the style of football produced in a compelling match ought to ensure that they take a liking to the place.

They fell behind in the fifteenth minute, when McCoist took Durrant's pass to fire home and, with that goal in 1999, ensured that he has scored in 20 successive years. Motherwell were not overawed by the feat and, despite lacking the injured Spencer, displayed the sprightliness that earned an equaliser 13 minutes later. Nevin and Coyle linked to create the room from which Doesburg delivered the excellent cross that was headed into the net by Brannan.

In the second half, Kilmarnock sagged and, for a period, were on the verge of defeat. They ought to have lost a goal to Coyle, after 76 minutes, but, picked out by Nevin, he headed within the reach of Marshall. Two minutes later, though, the visitors demonstrated that they were gathering their powers for the final phase of the action.

McCoist converted Gary Holt's cross, but the goal was disallowed for offside against Wright. The incident proved to be the precursor of a breakthrough. With McCoist and Durrant in the side, Kilmarnock possess stars. Nonetheless, they have never lapsed into weak-willed dependence on the former Rangers players. Their merit lies in the cohesion of a group that has been gathered together in unpredictable manner.

It is hardly surprising that spells of success are interrupted by long periods of mediocrity for clubs like Kilmarnock. The circumstances that suddenly allow them to flourish are too peculiar to be planned. Kilmarnock possess the best defensive record in the Premier League, with 12 goals conceded in 21 matches, yet few could have guessed that Ray Montgomerie would be the linchpin.