Kilmarnock 1 - 1 Livingston
(SPL Under 21 match - Rugby Park, 26th April 2004, 7.00pm Kick Off)

Killie faced Livi in this under-21 game with the team that is likely to face Rangers in the Youth Cup final in two weeks. Only Naysmith has had a brief glimpse of first team action so it was always going to be a tough night.

Killie were first to threaten in 7 minutes when a Masterton free kick was clawed away for a corner by Creer. There was not a lot of goalmouth action in the opening period as play got bogged down in the middle of the park.

Livi started to get a grip on the game and Snodgrass and Arthur were causing problems with their movement. Midway through the half Snodgrass had a couple of half chances but his first was well blocked by McGregor then he just failed to connect following a good run and cross by Walker.

The only other talking point was an injury to Masterton who'll be hoping it doesn't cause him to miss the big final.

The second half was much livelier and the visitors took the lead in 47 minutes. Arthur sprung the offside trap then held the ball up before laying it into the path of McLaughlin who rifled low into the corner from 15 yards.

The goal sparked Killie into life and Naysmith missed a great chance to equalise in 57 minutes. The ball fell to "kid goals" from a corner but his shot was well saved at point blank range by Creer.

In 63 minutes a Johnstone corner struck a post and the rebound fell to Hamill who hit the back row of the Moffat Stand. Killie kept pressing and finally got level with 5 minutes remaining.

A period of sustained pressure ended with the ball landing at the feet of McGregor who fired a low shot home from 8 yards.

All in all a fair result with neither team doing enough to earn three points. McGregor and Naysmith were best for Killie with Snodgrass showing up well for the visitors.

Kilmarnock: Bell, Sangster, Hamill, Cochrane, McGregor, Johnstone (Noble 74), Masterton (Sloan 30), Naismith, Gilroy, Boyle (Coyne 77), Campbell
Subs (not used): Murray, Griffin

Livingston: Creer, Caulfield, fullarton, Jordan, Boyd, Snowdon, Walker, Brittain, Arthur, Snodgrass, McLaughlin
Subs (not used): Geggan, Dorrans, Adams, Hamilton

Match Report © Sandy Armour