t was always a possibility that the post-match
analysis of this game would be dominated more by those players who
weren't on the pitch, than those who were - and so it proved. Michael
Johnston, the Kimarnock chairman, read a prepared statement outlining
the details of Steven Naismith's deadline-busting move to Rangers.
Naismith's exit will be judged at season's end, but it is clear Jim
Jefferies' bold prediction that his side will challenge Aberdeen for a
European slot looks a lot less credible following his transfer,
especially as Johnston confirmed that none of the £2m fee will be
directed towards new players.
Michael Johnston said.... "The positives for the club out of this
transfer are that it is a major step in the process of debt reductions,
One of the club's key objectives is to stabilise the finances while
remaining competitive and I firmly believe that we have the squad of
players and management team in place to do that even without a player of
Steven's undoubted ability".
Killie manager Jim Jefferies was forced into four changes following
Naismith's last-minute move to Rangers and injuries to Danny Invincible,
Ryan O'Leary and Garry Hay.
Simon Ford, Willie Gibson, Gary Wales and David Lilley came in as the
Ayrshire side looked to continue their promising start to the season.
Rhian Dodds had the first effort on goal after half an hour when his
shot from the edge of the area scraped Soutar's crossbar and flew over.
The home fans claimed for a penalty when McNamara tangled with Nish
after Allan Johnston's deep cross, but the referee waved away the
appeals.
Steve Lovell spurned a great chance just before half-time when headed
wide from 10 yards after a great cross from McNamara.
The visitors looked more threatening in the second half and took the
lead in 54 minutes.
Jamie Smith's corner was headed on by Michael Hart and Miller made no
mistake from 12 yards.
Kilmarnock pressed for an equaliser but clearly missed the creativity
and goalscoring touch of Naismith.
Kilmarnock roused themselves as the game entered its final third,
most notably when Alan Johnston's rising shot was headed off the line by
Richard Foster in the dying stages.
Having also survived two contentious penalty appeals earlier, it was
clear this was Aberdeen's day.
In the dying moment Killie had 2 decent penalty claims ignored, so
despite making some decent chances it was just not to be Killie's day!
Sandy's Match Pic's are
HERE
