Kilmarnock 2
Dundee Utd 0
League (Premiership)

Match Report

United had the chance to guarantee their place at the top of the Scottish Premiership going into the international break with a victory over Kilmarnock. However, from the moment this games started, that result never looked on the cards. Ciftci was chosen to lead the attack and he was supported by Dow, Erskine and Armstrong. The back seven remained in tact from the previous matches.

Playing on Kilmarnock's artificial surface for the first time, United looked off the pace from the start. Heavy rain had deluged the park ahead of the game and both sets of players struggled to adapt. Chances were few and far between in the first half however, Kilmarnock looked most threatening. It was half an hour into the first half before United began to influence the game. Stuart Armstrong came closest when he was was involved in a race with Samson to a loose ball in the six yard box. Samson won the battle to the reach the ball first but he picked up an injury in the process and did not re-appear in the second half.

Although Kilmarnock had more of the first half possession they looked to have run out of ideas as the game entered the second period. However, a complete lapse in concentration during a two minute window midway through the second half, killed the game dead. First Temitope Obadeyi took advantage of weak defending to muscle through and put Killie one up. Then, with United still shaken, Killie doubled their lead. Defender Mark Connolly headed home strongly from a corner kick. Mackay-Steven came closest for United towards the end of the game but his left foot drive flew just over.

Manager's Comment:
"There were too many that weren't at it tonight. We were beaten by a bit more desire and willingness to chase lost causes and work hard for the team."

Fan's Comment:
"The least said about tonight the better. Maybe it was the plastic pitch, but there were very few pass marks out there this evening. Never looked like taking anything from this match and probably best forgotten."

Match Photos courtesy of Riki Grauer - More photos available at:
Dundee United Official Flickr Page