Gilroy Strike Sees Killie Through 

            
Centre Halves David 'doomed' Woodison & Joe Coyle

Kilmarnock 1 - 0 Hamilton (aet)
(BP Youth Cup - Wednesday 6th November 2002, 7.00pm Kick Off)

The main talking point among the RP regulars was the appearance of our dearly beloved 'doomed' in the starting line-up. A crowd of around 200 had turned up to see his rare appearance away from the bench and it ultimately proved to be an enjoyable experience.

With heavy rain and strong winds in the opening twenty minutes both teams struggled to get any fluency into their game although Killie enjoyed the bulk of possession. The first decent chance was in 25 mins when the lively Boyle put his header a foot wide from a short corner. Five minutes later Fraser Logan leapt at the back post to meet a McGlinchey cross but his header flew wide.

Hamilton were working hard but for all their endeavors Sampson had no serious action in the first half. Johnstone came close to scoring just before the break but his low shot was a yard wide of the left hand post.

Killie stepped up the pace at the start of the second period and McGlinchey had a chance within 30 seconds of the restart but his shot was sliced into the Moffat stand. It would have to be said the lad Woodison was having a solid game at the heart of the defence and both he and his fellow centre back Coyle were playing well.

Killie were showing similarities to their first team buddies all the same with plenty of possession but not many clear cut chances. As time went on Hamilton began to believe in themselves and Elfallah ended a good run with a cross-cum shot 
that was well saved by Samson. Ten minutes later the goalie was in action again saving well from a low Gribbens drive.

Killie had a chance to seal it with seven minutes left when Logan burst down the left flank but Boyle volleyed the resultant cross two yards wide. Extra time saw both teams tiring and the game was going from end to end with tired legs well to the fore. Accies had their best chance two minutes into extra time when Samson dropped a straightforward cross but with the goals wide open Kerr skelped his shot off the post and behind.

Killie went straight up the park and Campbell's drilled crossed was narrowly missed by Johnstone. In 96 minutes a beautifully executed 20 yard screamer from Gilroy was brilliantly saved by Jellema. Five minutes later Killie nearly grabbed the vital opener but Boyle's excellent run ended with his shot flying inches wide.

Killie grabbed the decisive goal in 106 minutes when a good run and cross from Logan was met 8 yards out by Gilroy who finished in style. Killie looked the stronger team at this stage and comfortably held on for a hard fought victory. Killie were best served by Woodison, Coyle, Gilroy & Boyle whilst the Hamilton goalie Jellema can remember his wonder save with great affection. I cant quite decide whether 'the doomed' resembles Frank Beattie or Frank Carson but I was delighted to see him play so well in a Killie jersey - best wishes to Cumnock's eldest virgin!!

Kilmarnock: Samson, Masterton (Sangster 94), Logan, Coyle, Woodison, 
Jphnstone (Hamill 111), McGlinchey, Naismith (Campbell 62), Gilroy, Boyle, 
McGuinness
Subs not used: Bell, Parker

Hamilton: Jellema, Burrows, Houston, Thomson, Smillie, Paterson, Arbuckle
(P Kerr 108), Keegans (Gribbens 69), McGeachie (D Kerr 62), Dolan, Elfallah
Subs not used: Davie, Wilson

Attendance: 170

Match Report courtesy of the Killie Hippo

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