East Enders Switched Off!

       
Chris Boyle hit the opener  .....  and Naismith rounded off the scoring

Kilmarnock 3 - 1 Dunfermline
(SPL Under 21 Match - Rugby Park, 20th January 2003, 7.00pm Kick Off)

A healthy crowd turned out to see Killie face the Pars in a fixture that was originally meant to be played at East End Park. Dunfermline lined up with ex-Killie players Gus MacPherson & Scott Walker as both sides fielded a blend of youth and experience.

The visitors looked the livelier in the first ten minutes with a McNicol run causing problems down the right but his cut back failed to find a team mate. Recalled Killie keeper Colin Stewart was then called into action with a fine point blank save from Blair but the resultant corner came to nothing.

Killie's first serious attack in 14 minutes saw us take the lead. Chris Boyle picked up a loose ball 35 yards out and waltzed past two defenders before rounding Ruitenbeek and slotting home. The goal sparked Killie into action and four minutes later the lead was doubled. Di Giacomo turned superbly 20 yards out before driving into the box and firing home a low drive from 12 yards.

The goals had stunned the Pars and Killie were now well in control with Di Giacomo causing problems every time he touched the ball. Boyle nearly increased the lead in 22 minutes but his well struck shot from 20 yards flew narrowly wide.

Dunfermline's only other worthwhile effort in the first half was a Hampshire shot from 20 yards that was comfortably held by Stewart. Di Giacomo went on a mazy run in the final minute of the half but the strikers shot was well wide from 20 yards.

Killie came out all guns blazing in the second half and went three up in 49 minutes. A beautiful reverse pass from Di Giacomo split the Pars defence and young Naismith sent Ruitenbeek the wrong way from just inside the box. Dunfermline pulled one back two minutes later when a right wing cross picked out Kilgannon who finished well from 10 yards.

The remainder of the game was even with Killie looking comfortable although Hampshire should have scored in 67 minutes but his shot was well saved again by Stewart. The remainder of the game was played out without too much action although each team had a player booked, Walker for Dunfermline and McLaughlin for Killie.

Di Giacomo looked like his old self and was ably assisted by Murray and Boyle. Dunfermline started well but fell away after the first two goals although Hampshire carried a constant menace. I spoke to JJ briefly after the game and he was well pleased with the performance overall, rightly so.

Kilmarnock: Stewart, Canning, Hessey, Dineleux, McLaughlin, Gold (McGuinness 68), McDonald, Boyle, Naismith (J. Boyle 75), Di Giacomo, Murray.
Subs not used: Samson, Coyle, Johnson.

Dunfermline: Ruitenbeek, McGarty, Karnabeek (Wilson 15), Blair, MacPherson, Walker, McNicol, Hampshire (Carson 68), Nish, McGroarty (Findlay 68), Kilgannon.
Subs not used: Harrower, Sibanda.

Match report courtesy of The Killie Hippo