Killie Singing In The Rain

       
Spot Kick King Dino Dillon!                  Classic Strike From Logan

Kilmarnock 2 - 1 Partick Thistle
(SPL Under 21 Match - Rugby Park, 21st October 2002, 7.00pm Kick Off)

There was a smaller than normal crowd at Rugby Park probably due to the abysmal weather as Killie welcomed Partick Thistle to the Theatre of Pies. Killie fielded a mixture of youth and experience whilst Thistle fielded a young team plus Chic Charnley that took their average age to 52.

Killie nearly took the lead in the opening minute but Fowler hit Row Z from a Boyle cutback. Killie were the more likely team and Canning fired a 25 yarder wide after 12 minutes. Thistle had their first decent effort four minutes later when a lung bursting run by Walker finished with a cross to Docherty whose first time shot was well saved - strangely the referee awarded a goal kick.

Killie should have taken the lead in 22 minutes but Fowler's excellent run was wasted when he dragged his shot well wide of the right hand post. Killie again came close after 32 minutes when Mitchell's right wing cross was met by Boyle but his header flew inches wide. Both teams were struggling in the final third and the only other noteworthy incident in the first half was Dillon receiving a yellow card for a late challenge on Gibson.

The opening twenty minutes of the second half was uninspiring with Di Giacomo looking well out of sorts and generally giving the impression he would rather be somewhere warm. Thistle had used all their three substitutes after 47 minutes but even the introduction of some fresh legs failed to inspire and just as it looked like we were heading for a no score draw the game burst into life.

Killie introduced Logan for Di Giacomo in 70 minutes but before he had time to make an impression the visitors went in front. After 73 minutes Thistle won a corner on the left and with Meldrum misjudging the flight of the cross Docherty had a fairly easy task of nodding home from 7 yards.

Killie immediately went in search of an equaliser and after 78 minutes they scored arguably the best goal seen at Rugby Park this season. Logan picked the ball up on the halfway line and sent Murray speeding down the left flank. The wee man took on the full back before picking out Logan who had continued his run and the youngster's left footed 25 yarder was unstoppable.

Thistle went down to ten men when Docherty went off injured and couldn't be replaced as they already had used all their subs. Killie went for the winner and Logan nearly grabbed it but his right footed drive from 12 yards was well saved by the keeper. Mitchell shot narrowly over in 85 minutes but two minutes later we snatched a controversial winner.

Fowler made another forward run into the box and went down under what looked a weak challenge however the referee pointed straight to the spot. Dillon's penalty was well saved by Budinauckas but the youngster smashed the rebound into the roof of the net.

Thistle were unable to respond and Miller got himself booked for an ugly tackle on Coyle. Killie were best served by Mitchell, Canning and Murray whilst Logan certainly made a good impression during his twenty minutes on the park. Walker was lively for the visitors but Killie just about deserved their win even if it wasn't the greatest game ever.

Kilmarnock: Meldrum, Fowler, Dillon, Coyle, Sanjuan, Boyle, Mitchell, Canning, Jaconelli, Di Giacomo (Logan 70), Murray.
Subs (not used): Gilroy, Gold, Bell, McGuinness.

Partick Thistle: Budinauckas, Brand, Thomson, Dolan (Brawley 42), McDermott, McCallum, Charnley (Rushford 47), Howie, Docherty, Walker, Gibson (Miller 47)
Subs (not used): Arthur, Shields.

Match report by The Killie Hippo

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