Kilmarnock 1
Dundee Utd 0
League (SPL)

Match Report

A well worked goal from Peter Leven during a second half dominated by Kilmarnock was enough to hand United a single goal defeat. Derek Stillie also saved a Naismith penalty whilst a Jon Daly chance should have had United ahead at the interval.

Craig Levein rang the changes from the side that started the Cup victory over St Mirren. Greg Cameron replaced the suspended Barry Robson and Christian Kalvenes returned from injury to take over from youngster Keith Watson. Also starting were Sean Dillon and Lee Wilkie, who had returned from a loan spell at Ross County. Watson dropped to the bench, as did Lee Mair and Alan Archibald. Killlie had former United keeper Alan Combe between the posts and also starting were new signings Momo Sylla and Rocco Quinn.

The opening period was very mediocre with neither side taking control. Killie had the better of the opening quarter but United sprung to life after 20 minutes when Conway squared a pass to Kenneth who hit the target but Combe tipped over. Five minutes later United should have been ahead when Daly sprung the offside trap. Combe charged from his line which allowed Daly to stroke the ball past him but unfortunately for the Irishman he hit the side-netting.

The second period was a completely different story with the introduction of half time sub, Colin Nish proving crucial for Kilmarnock. The home side had a great opportunity with minutes in when they were awarded a penalty after a challenge by Kenneth on Quinn. Naismith took the penalty but he was denied by a save from Stillie. Just after the hour they did take a deserved lead when Johnston and Hay combined to set up Leven who drilled the ball past Stillie. Killie continued to control the game and towards the end a fine curling shot from Alan Johnston was brilliantly tipped round the post by the United keeper.