Kilmarnock 1 - 1 Hibernian
(SPL Under 21 match - Rugby Park, 27th October 2003, 7.00 pm Kick Off)

Craig Dargo made his first start of the season as Killie entertained Hibs at the Theatre of Pies. Martin Hardie was given a run out to regain fitness and wee Ruby added some more experience against a Hibs side that welcomed Gary Smith back from injury.

Killie threatened after just three minutes when Murray's cross-cum-shot flew narrowly past the left hand post. There was little goalmouth action in the first half although Dobbie was causing problems for the Killie rearguard. After 20 mins he fired a weak shot straight at Samson and four minutes later the keeper palmed away a fierce drive from the former Rangers striker.

Five minutes from the break Di Giacomo's direct run took him past two defenders but he pulled his shot wide. Killie almost took the lead a minute from the break but Hay's free kick was just touched away from the in-rushing McGregor.

Dargo was booked after 47 minutes for a wild tackle on Reid - the referee didn't seem to understand he was just testing his dodgy ankle!! Dobbie again threatened for Hibs after a bad McGuinness pass but he poked his shot wide from 10 yards.

Killie came closest to scoring after 52 minutes when Hay's corner found Hardie but his powerful header was saved at point blank range by Hyldgaard. Hardie came close with a header in 66 minutes but two minutes later Killie took the lead.

Naismith had only been on the park three minutes when Hardie hit the post and the rebound fell for the young striker to slot into an empty net. Hibs came close on 76 minutes when Baillie's header smashed off the crossbar and was hooked to safety.

With 10 minutes left Hibs equalised thanks to another substitute who was just on the park a few minutes. Kane picked up a loose ball 25 yards out and smashed a belter past Samson who had no chance. Neither side came close again and a draw was probably just about right.

McGregor, Canning and Hardie were prominent for Killie whilst Dobbie was the pick of the visitors. Wee Dargo will have benefited from his first start but will need a few more games before thinking about a return to the first team.

Kilmarnock: Samson, Sangster (Cochrane 85), Hay, Canning, McGregor, Hamill, Di Giacomo, Hardie, Dargo (Naismith 65), McGuinness, Murray
Subs (not used): Bell, Johnstone, Boyle

Hibernian: Hyldgaard, Smith, Reid, Baillie, Cruikshanks, Shields (Kane 80), Whittaker (Notman 65), Nicol, Hogg (Pow 67), Dobbie, Thomson
Subs (not used): Fletcher, Noble 

Match Report © Sandy Armour
Match Photos © Sandy Ferguson