Kilmarnock 3 - 1 Dundee United
(SPL Under 21 Match - Rugby Park, 2nd December 2002, 7.00pm Kick Off)

A young Killie team overcame the loss of an early goal to record a fine 3-1 win over an experienced United outfit. The lad Woodison nearly made the bench however he had to make do with a seat next to the working classes to watch United snatch a 6th minute lead. A low cross into the box was well controlled by the impressive Gunnlaugsson who drilled a fine shot into the pokey giving Meldrum no chance.

Killie were working hard to get a quick equaliser, however, like the first team, our final ball was letting us down, although Boutal was doing his utmost to inspire his team mates. The Frenchman had the ball in the net after 24 minutes only for the linesman to disallow it for offside before Logan tried his luck from a 25 yard free kick but his well struck shot was easily held by Jarvie.

Killie were enjoying the bulk of possession at this stage and a fine passing move ended with Boyle firing wide from 20 yards. The Arabs were always a threat on the break and after 34 minutes Ugunmade's low cross was met by Carson who fired narrowly wide from 15 yards. Three minutes before the break Jaconelli intercepted a short pass back but his attempted lob was clawed away by Jarvie.

Killie started the second half on the offensive and in 55 minutes they leveled the game when Jaconelli tried his luck from 22 yards and his low shot flew into the goalie's right hand corner. With United rattled, the same player put Killie in front two minutes later when a quick Coyle free kick picked out the young striker just inside the box and his excellent first touch allowed him to crack home a belter from 16 yards.

Jaconelli grabbed the referee's attention again in 70 minutes when he got booked after crunching ex-Killie captain Kevin McGowne. Three minutes later Killie clinched the points when slack defensive play by the Arabs allowed young Liam McGuinness to race in on goal and calmly roll the ball under the keeper.

The youngster got himself booked three minutes later after a clumsy challenge on Stephen Carson then Meldrum produced the save of the night by tipping over a Winters screamer. Young Emilio should have nailed his hat trick in 84 minutes but his header flew inches beyond the far post.

Killie were best served by McGregor, Boutal & Jaconelli whilst the crowd were best served by Robin the tannoy announcer who nearly choked when informing us Gunnlaugsson had went off. Finally huge thanks to "the Muppet" for bringing me the biggest kebab I've ever clapped my hungry eyes on - it doesn't get any better than Killie winning then celebrating with a Hippo sized kebab mmmmmm.

Kilmarnock: Meldrum, Canning, Logan, Coyle, McGregor, Boyle, McDonald, McGlinchey (Johnstone), Boutal (Boyle), Jaconelli, McGuinness.
Subs not used: Samson, Hamill, Masterton.

Dundee United: Jarvie, Allum, Cummings, Duff (Holmes), McGowne, Waddell, Carson, O'Donnell, Smart (McGowan), Gunnlaugsson (Holmes), Ogunmade.
Subs not used: Bruce, Gartland. 

Match report courtesy of The Killie Hippo