Kilmarnock 3 - 3 Motherwell
(SPL Under 21 match - Rugby Park, 25th August 2003, 7.00pm Kick Off)

Killie youngster Steven Naismith grabbed the headlines with a hat trick that included two goals in the least three minutes. The young "Gary Shaw" look-alike earned Killie an unlikely point as the visitors were cruising at 3-1 in the closing stages. The game will also be remembered for wee Ruby Murray winning three headers in the one game!

Killie had started the game brightly and in five minutes McGuinness had a cross-cum-shot palmed away by Corr. From the resultant corner Naismith hooked over from 10 yards. Killie were the likelier outfit and in 24 minutes a fine Murray run ended with a pass to the trialist (Canadian 20 yr old Rhian Dodds) who clipped the post from 20 yards.

Motherwell started to get a foothold in the game and Craig headed wide after a piercing run by Wright. Clarkson then went close before Well took the lead in 32 minutes. Di Giacomo lost possession and Craig was played through and slotted low into the right hand corner. Killie drew level five minutes later when Di Giacomo raced in on goal and the ball broke to Naismith who rolled home from 8 yards.

Motherwell started the second half in lively fashion with Craig driving a free kick narrowly over before Clarkson hit the crossbar with a 20 yard drive. Killie were next to threaten with Naismith latching on to a McGuinness pass and firing straight at Corr.

The visitors took the lead in mysterious circumstances after 60 minutes when the referee gave a penalty - I've absolutely no idea what for. McDonald sent Samson the wrong way then the visitors went for the kill. A Clarkson shot was well blocked by Canning before Well scored a third in 67 minutes. Clarkson sprung the shaky looking defence and calmly slotted home from 15 yards.

Dodds forced a fine save from Corr as Killie battled back but the visitors always looked dangerous on the break. Naismith got his second in 87 minutes when he raced through the heart of the Well defence. His first shot was saved by Corr but the rebound flew off the strikers chest and into the net. Killie sensed they could get something and did so with the last kick of the ball.

A corner fell neatly for Naismith at the back post and the youngster earned himself the match ball as he smashed home from close 8 yards. McGregor, Hessey and Dillon were booked along with wright for the visitors. Naismith was star man for Killie with Craig and Clarkson doing well for the Steelmen - Dundee could bid for Clarkson shortly all the same as he hits the deck rather easily. 

Kilmarnock: Samson, McGregor , Dillon , Canning, Innes, Hessey (Masterton 45), Dodds (Boyle 83), Naismith, Di Giacomo, McGuinness (Hammill 73), Murray
Subs (not used): Bell & Johnstone

Motherwell: Corr, Neville, Mathie, McDonald, Trialist Kinniburgh, Wright , Reilly, Craig, Clarkson, Fitzpatrick.
Subs (not used): Ewings, Collins, McCall, Keogh, McCandie

Match Report © Sandy Armour