Closed Door No Score Bore!

Kilmarnock 0 - 0 Raith Rovers
(Closed Door Match - Rugby Park, 21st January 2003, 1.00pm Kick Off)

Killie took the opportunity to blow away the winter break cobwebs by playing 
a closed door friendly with Raith Rovers at Rugby Park. Killie fielded a near 
full strength team and in the first 45 minutes were given a thorough test by 
their opponents.

Raith were showing the benefit of recent games and were knocking the ball around nicely without seriously threatening Meldrum. Boyd had the two best efforts in the first half with one shot deflected on to the post and another drive being well saved by the Raith keeper.

The second half saw Killie dominate possession but we struggled to break down  a resolute Raith defence with our "poor final ball" syndrome well to the  fore. Several goalmouth stramashes (god bless Arthur Montford) failed to  provide a final touch and you couldn't grudge Raith a draw at the end.

A disappointing result but a very good work out for Killie before the cup tie on Saturday. Praise must go to Tony Calderon for producing a team that plays decent football and on this evidence are certainties for promotion to Div. 
One.

Kilmarnock: Meldrum, Fowler, Shields, Innes, Dillon, Hay, Mahood, Fulton, Dargo, McLaren, Boyd (McSwegan 68).
Subs not used: Dindeleux, Murray, McDonald, Di Giacomo.

Raith Rovers: No idea but included most of the first team and former Killie trialist Paul McManus.

Match report courtesy of The Killie Hippo