To Hull and Back - The Taming of the Lions

Millwall 0 - 1 Kickin' Squirrels
(IFA British Cup Semi-Final - Costello Stadium, Hull, 21st June 2003, 2.00pm Kick Off)

Last Saturday (21st) was indeed the longest day for a bunch of fearless and committed Killie fans flying the Ayrshire flag south of the border. As the hippies danced around Stonehenge celebrating the Summer Solstice, the Killie Internet Supporters Club - Kickin' Squirrels - made the 10 hour plus round trip to Hull to waltz around their counterparts from Millwall to reach the final of the TFG Internet Football Association British Cup.

Having beaten Watford in a quarter-final in London only a few weeks ago, Hull was the agreed neutral venue for the clash between the Capital men and Ayrshire's finest supporters. This made for a rather torturous train journey, however the Killie boys secured their first "result" of the day by getting upgraded to first class for the first leg to York thanks to a smooth-talking Stevie Hill and an accommodating customer service rep.

The Costello Stadium is a fine venue, somewhat different from the Squirrels' usual home of the Dean Park, however blazing sunshine and a hard pitch made for testing conditions. Nevertheless, it was the Killie boys who made the early running with big Davie Yeates heading just wide after only a couple of minutes. Shortly afterwards he went one better with what proved to be the only goal of the game - and what a goal it was. Billy Kiltie fed the unmarked Stevie Scott with a quick free kick on the right wing, and his left-foot whipped cross was bulleted home by the head of the giant centre-half.

The goal gave the Lions a sense of urgency and it was they who went on to make the most of the first half. Indeed, they did get the ball in the net only for the ref to bring play back for a foul - to Millwall! As passions rose the game got a bit testy at times, with the Londoners putting it about a bit. However, the Scots refused to be intimidated and, on a least one occasion, one of our number returned the compliment with, let's just say, a little interest.

The second half started well for Killie with a couple of substitutions aiding the cause. In fact, one of these, yours truly, was denied a clear run on goal by a scything Millwall leg. Chances also fell to Ian Cowan and the tireless Neil Mackay however Killie were unable to add to their lead and, as the half wore on, Millwall threw more and more bodies forward in search of the equalizer. Shortly after skelping the post, the Londoners looked to have got their reward as the ball was fired home from close range. However, once again the "goal" was disallowed - this time for a clear offside.

Cue much wailing and gnashing of teeth, but the Ayrshiremen stood firm to the final whistle, valiantly marshalled by the man-of-the-match, Davie Yeates. Just prior to the end, the moment of the match was provided by young Fergie who treated us to an exquisite drag-back that left one tame Lion on his backside staring at the summer sun.

On-pitch animosities were quickly dispelled in the game's aftermath and, to their credit, Millwall were very gallant in defeat raising a cheer of praise for their conquerors. Socialising afterwards was limited to a quick pint before heading for the off-licence for homeward rations. The arduous return journey was, naturally, softened by the combined comforts of the win and the obligatory free-flowing alcohol. Terrace banter abounded, songs were roared, and the hours passed by amid a wash of football spirit.

The Squirrels will now face a tough tie against either Hearts or Hibs in the final, scheduled for Leeds on July 18. However, having disposed of Ayr United, Doncaster, Watford, and now Millwall, the Killie boys are confident of finishing off the job and parading the Cup around Rugby Park next season.

Player-Manager John Kirkland is relishing the task ahead: "It will be a very hard match whoever we meet, but it's a final and on our day we can compete with anyone," he said. "My boys are a committed bunch and we will give it everything we've got for the name of Kilmarnock FC". Kirkland also mentioned that the team were still looking for a sponsor to provide the players' suits for the big day, however he remained tight-lipped over the rumours of the team recording a cup final single.

With thanks to our kit sponsors Killiefc.com

Kickin' Squirrels: Brown, Dick, Yeates, Kirkland, McFadzean (Richard), Ferguson, Reid (Hannah), Cowan, Kiltie, Scott (Hill), Mackay.

Match report courtesy of Dave Hannah

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