Kilmarnock 1 - 2 Hearts
(SPL Under 21 match - Rugby Park, Wednesday 17th August 2003, 7.00pm Kick Off)

A smaller crowd than normal turned out to see Killie face second placed Hearts in this rearranged under 21 fixture. The game saw the return of keeper Graham Smith from a serious facial injury whilst Gary Locke and Danny Invincibile played their first games after a spell on the treatment table.

Hearts were first to threaten in five minutes but Simmons 25 yard drive was comfortably saved by Smith. Naismith had a half chance for Killie a minute later but his shot was weak and easily held by Moilanen.

Killie should have gone in front after 17 minutes when Canning picked out Hessey with a free kick. The big defender had a free header from 8 yards but it flew narrowly wide. Invincibile looked set to put Killie in front on the half hour mark however Moilanen was quickly off his line to foil the Australian.

Hearts took the lead in 36 minutes following a corner on the right, the ball landed at the feet of McGeown 20 yards out and his low shot found the corner of the net. There appeared to be a Hearts player in an offside position straight in front of Smith but there was no flag raised. McLaughlin was next to threaten for Killie but his header flew well over.

Killie were quick off the blocks in the second half and equalised in 48 minutes. a cross into the box landed at the feet of Naismith who turned neatly and fired into the far corner. It was end to end at this stage with Simmons going close for Hearts before Invincibile blasted over when it looked easier to score.

Killie were looking the likelier lot but couldn't convert a few other decent chances before Hearts started to push forward again. Simmons was the player to grab the winner when he picked up the ball 25 yards out and sent a great shot into the net off the underside of the bar.

There was no way back back for Killie who huffed and puffed without creating any further good chances. Naismith for Killie and Sives for the visitors were both yellow carded for late challenges.

Killie were best served by Naismith with Simmons being the best player on show for the visitors. finally it was good to see Dylan Kerr back in the main stand, I hope he hasn't been deported from America already!

Kilmarnock: Smith, Locke, McGregor, McLaughlin, Hessey, Hardie, Di Giacomo, Naismith , Boyle (Campbell 65), Canning, Invincibile
Subs (not used): Bell, Sangster, Hamill, Sloan

Hearts: Moilanen, Knox, Sloan, Sives (Tierney 84), Dunn, Fox, McGeown (Driver 88), Simmons, Wyness, Wales, Hamill
Subs (not used): Windrum, King, Neill

Match Report © Sandy Armour