Kilmarnock 3 - 0 Dundee Utd
(SPL Under 21 - Rugby Park, 29th September 2003, 7.00pm Kick Off)

A fine attacking display by Killie saw them run out comfortable winners over their disappointing rivals. Unlike last weeks game against Livi both teams fielded experienced line-ups with Killie giving Invincibile and Greer a chance to regain some match fitness.

Neither keeper had much to do in the opening 15 minutes with Murray and Di Giacomo causing a threat on the flanks. Gary Bollan had a decent effort for the visitors in 19 minutes but his 22 yard shot flew just over. Killie's first real chance saw Di Giacomo drive into the box but his low shot was well saved by Gallacher.

Killie took the lead in 24 minutes when a perfect cross from Di Giacomo picked out McDonald who knocked home from close range. McSwegan fired over from 20 yards before having a goal chopped off for pushing the defender before heading home.

Invincibile almost doubled the lead two minutes before the break with a lovely turn but his right foot drive was inches too high. The Aussie striker was taken off at half time as a cautionary measure when his upper thigh muscle tightened up and replaced by "kid goals" Steven Naismith.

Killie came out all guns blazing and Murray was causing endless problems to the Arabs defence. In the opening 5 minutes of the half McSwegan and Naismith coming close before Hay had a shot cleared from the line. United tried to get back in the game and Meldrum had to race from his line to smother the ball with Dodds racing in on goal.

Killie soon regained the attacking thread and Murray was denied by a fine Gallacher save then Dillon headed just wide from the resultant corner. Killie's pressure paid off in 74 minutes when a free flowing move ended with McSwegan setting up "wee ruby" who crisply fired home from 12 yards.

Six minutes later and Killie scored another cracker. A long Murray pass picked out Naismith and as the keeper advanced the youngster beautifully lofted the ball into the unguarded goals. The onslaught continued in the closing minutes with Di Giacomo having a goal ruled out for offside before Gallacher made another excellent save from a McDonald drive.

An excellent result for the second string in front of 324 fans. Greer looked very solid at the back with the impressive Dillon whilst Dodds, Murray and Naismith all put in an excellent shift. The visitors were disappointing and would have lost more heavily had it not been for the impressive Gallacher.

Kilmarnock: Meldrum, Canning, Hay, Dillon, Greer, Dodds, Di Giacomo, Invincibile (Naismith 45), McSwegan, McDonald, Murray
Subs (not used): Bell, McGuinness, Boyle, McGregor

Dundee Utd: Gallacher, Hunter, Bollan, Wilson, McCracken, Anderson, Holmes (McGowan 67), Easton, Coyle, Dodds, Jarvis (Bell 45)
Subs (not used): Jarvie, Craig, Robertson

Match Report © Sandy Armour