Killie secured a fifth-place finish in the SPL with their first
win at Ibrox since October 2000
The full-time ceremonials for the departing trio at
least provided something to make the journey of the
Rangers fans worthwhile. It was the small pocket of
Kilmarnock supporters who truly savoured the afternoon,
Naismith's goal clinching their fifth-place finish ahead
of Hibs in the SPL and providing manager Jim Jefferies
with his first win over either of the Old Firm clubs
since taking up his post at Rugby Park. Jefferies joked
afterwards that he will be switching his mobile phone
off when he goes on holiday this summer in order to
avoid any bids for Naismith, but he conceded that he
would be astonished if there were not several enquiries
for the talented 20-year-old.
It is understood that Rangers are firmly at the
forefront of those hoping to sign Naismith and Smith
said: "We are looking for a number of players and will
be bringing a few in. Whether Steven Naismith is one of
them or not, you are free to speculate."
The well-organised and industrious visitors frustrated their
lethargic hosts in a tepid first half.
And Steven Naismith popped up to steer in a sweet strike on the
half-volley from 16 yards early in the second half for his 18th goal of
the season.
Killie keeper Alan Combe was busy in the closing stages but Walter
Smith's men could not find a way through.
Departing Rangers duo Dado Prso and Stefan Klos were both denied the
opportunity to take part in their last ever game at Ibrox.
Prso suffered an ankle injury in training on Friday and Klos missed
out with a dislocated thumb.
Alan Hutton was suspended, meaning Ian Murray was drafted in to fill
the void at right-back.
Kilmarnock made three changes after defeating Hibernian last week,
with Gary Locke, Momo Sylla and Aime Koudo getting a chance at Ibrox.
The atmosphere inside the stadium was flat throughout a dull first
half as the home side struggled to raise their game for a largely
meaningless encounter.
In the opening minutes Naismith could have taken advantage of an
Allan McGregor slip when he burst through on goal but the Rangers
goalkeeper recovered in time to clear the danger.
Rangers skipper Barry Ferguson then latched on to a long ball and
unleashed a threatening effort from 20 yards but the shot dipped just
over the crossbar.
McGregor was called into action again to block a Gordon Greer header,
after the Killie defender connected well with a Locke free-kick.
With Murray taking every opportunity to get forward from defence,
Rangers enjoyed a spell of concerted pressure but all they could muster
was a Charlie Adam shot that went high over the bar.
Rangers introduced Chris Burke after the break and the winger
immediately burst into the penalty area, only to toe-poke a shot
narrowly wide.
The visitors went ahead after 53 minutes when Grant Murray delivered
to the unmarked Stephen Naismith and the 20-year-old
cracked home a neat half-volley from the edge of the penalty area.
Adam, who has a fine record from set-pieces this season, curled a
25-yard free-kick in the direction of the top corner but Combe did well
to clutch the shot.
Rangers substitute Steven Lennon then fashioned a strike with a neat
turn in the penalty box but shot straight at the keeper.
Naismith was only a yard away from doubling his tally on 76 minutes
when he lashed a 20-yard strike wide of the target, with McGregor
motionless.
The lively Lennon fired in a fierce shot after the ball broke to him
on the edge of the penalty area but Combe was again equal to it.
Kilmarnock were forced deeper and deeper as Rangers poured forward in
the closing stages and held on for a rare success in Glasgow.
Sandy's Match Pic's are
HERE
53 mins
