Killie had dominated throughout the
game but they were made to pay for their poor finishing in front of goal
when the Second Division side won the clash 4-3 on penalty kicks.
The home side had pushed forward right
from the outset and could have been ahead after seven minutes.
Stevie Fulton provided the cross and
that was met by Jamie Fowler just inside the 18-yard box but he fired
just over the crossbar.
Killie were threatening again five
minutes later - this time Garry Hay was the provider as he tried to pick
out Paul Di Giacomo at the far post but the young striker nodded just
over.
Killie were unlucky not to take the
lead after 25 minutes.
Ally Mitchell's effort was blocked by
the Diamonds' defence and the rebound fell to Steve Fulton who unleashed
a long, low effort which fell just inches wide of the post.
Airdrie's first real chance came on
the half-hour mark but Gordon Marshall foiled Andy Gow.
In 36 minutes, Airdrie's Simon Vella
almost sent the ball past his own goalkeeper in an attempt to clear a
Killie attack.
Kilmarnock continued to pile on the
pressure after the break and Kris Boyd went close six minutes after the
restart, nodding just past the post.
Airdrie almost stunned Killie in 65
minutes when Martin Glancy's shot forced goalkeeper Gordon Marshall into
a decent save.
Killie pushed for the winner and Boyd
somehow managed to hook the ball wide after Di Giacomo played him in.
Then Killie made a claim for a penalty
in the final minute of the game when Armstrong appeared to handle in the
area but referee Hugh Dallas was unimpressed.
Kilmarnock continued to apply pressure
during extra time and Sanjuan fire over from in front of goal .
The game ended in a stalemate and
while only Alan Gow missed from the spot for Airdrie as Docherty, Vella,
Harvey and McKeown all netted, misses from Mahood and Hay ended Killie's
interest in the competition, to leave this as the only domestic trophy
Killie have yet to win!
Attendance: 4,150
Kilmarnock: Marshall, Hay,
McLaughlin, Innes, Fowler, Mitchell, Fulton, Sanjuan, Quitongo, Di
Giacomo, Boyd.
Subs: Mahood, Murray, McDonald,
Dillon, Meldrum.
It is becoming increasingly obvious
that Jim Jefferies fear of need a proven finisher to help complete the
squad, is becoming alarmingly true! After long periods of controlling
games, playing attractive good football against Thistle, the Dons &
Hibs (plus tonight) .... we are just not putting the ball in the back of
the old onion bag nearly often enough!
