Midfielder Craig Bryson eased Kilmarnock's relegation fears with a
second-half winner against fellow strugglers Falkirk to leave the Bairns
at the bottom of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League.
Bryson struck in the 58th minute with a powerful drive to give the
visitors a five-point cushion over their opponents.
Kilmarnock did not have it all their own way, however, as they
survived a bright start by the hosts that saw Marc Twaddle and Carl
Finnigan waste decent chances.
Reduced admission prices ensured a larger than normal turn-out and
created a vibrant atmosphere.
The hosts went close to breaking the deadlock as early as the second
minute. Colin Healy's corner was not dealt with by the Kilmarnock
defence and Twaddle flashed a shot just wide of Cammy Bell's post from
12 yards.
Towering striker Enoch Showunmi then got on the end of Twaddle's
lofted cross but the former Leeds player's tame header bounced
harmlessly off target.
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In a bright start by Eddie May's side, Finnigan had a shot across
goal palmed behind by the outstretched Bell after the marksman drove
into the box.
Kilmarnock were struggling to get to grips with their opponents'
slick passing as the home outfit dominated the early exchanges.
However, Falkirk were dealt a blow when midfielder Vitor Lima limped
off injured in the 18th minute and was replaced by Burton O'Brien.
The hosts were then nearly punished for a lapse in concentration at a
short corner which culminated in Manuel Pascali's close-range header
being tipped over by Robert Olejnik from Bryson's deep delivery in the
20th minute.
Kilmarnock were dealt an injury blow of their own on the half hour
mark when captain Pascali was taken from the pitch on a stretcher
following a challenge, with Jamie Hamill his replacement.
Falkirk were not able to maintain their high-tempo start to the game
as Kilmarnock gradually exerted their influence on the
bottom-of-the-table encounter.
May's side enjoyed some success in floating long balls into Showunmi
but were becoming predictable in their approach play as Killie pounced
to clear the striker's flick-ons.
Kilmarnock lacked ingenuity in the final third although Tim Clancy
worked a one-two with Chris Maguire on the edge of the area before
mis-hitting a poor shot goal ward that was easily picked up Olejnik.
The Bairns began the second half well, with Finnigan heading wide
from Showunmi's cross.
Just seconds later, though, Olejnik was called upon to deny Liam
Kelly from close range.
Bryson then powered forward and teed up Kelly inside the box but the
midfielder hit his effort straight at the goalkeeper.
The Ayrshire side were proving more direct after the break and
Olejnik made another good block from Maguire's 18-yard stinging shot
following Kevin Kyle's flick-on.
Kyle and Falkirk defender Brian McLean were both able to continue
following a clash of heads that required treatment from their respective
physios.
McLean had a bigger headache in the 58th minute when Kilmarnock took
the lead.
Maguire did brilliantly to hold the ball up at the corner before
flicking a pass into the area for the supporting Bryson.
Olejnik got a hand to the midfielder's low near-post shot but could
not keep it out.
Falkirk manager May threw on Pedro Moutinho for Showunmi with 20
minutes left as the Bairns sought to salvage a point.
The players tried to stick to their passing game but it was not easy
on a rugged surface.
Despite Falkirk pressing for an equaliser, Kilmarnock were next to
register an attempt on target when Kyle rose high at the back post to
meet Bryson's free-kick but the Scotland cap's header fell into the arms
of Olejnik.
With Showunmi watching on from the bench, Falkirk had no late success
in launching high balls into the area.
Kilmarnock utilised their final substitution with five minutes left
by bringing on Conor Sammon for goalscorer Bryson.
KILMARNOCK
boss Jimmy Calderwood hailed the contribution of
loan star Chris Maguire - as the fans were hailing
him from the terraces.
While rival coach Eddie May
was getting it in the neck from the home fans at the
Falkirk Stadium las tnight, the away support were
busy singing the praises of their new boss Jimmy
Calderwood.
Kilmarnock have now won three games in a row
under Caldo - including
last week's
memorable SPL victory over Celtic.
And with the Rugby Park club now up to ninth in
the table the Killie fans believe the former
Aberdeen gaffer will now lead them to safety.
Calderwood though urged the supporters not to get
carried away.
He said:"It was nice to hear the Killie fans sing
my name at the end but I have been in football long
enough to know that can change.
58 mins
