Kilmarnock 4-0 East Fife – Match Report by Oli Anderson
Premier Sports Cup Group H MD5
Rugby Park
Saturday 26th July | Kick-off: 3:00pm
A first half blitz from SPFL Premiership side Kilmarnock saw them progress into the second round of the Premier Sports Cup. Dick Campbell’s men finished third in Group H, just behind top-flight sides Livingston and Kilmarnock.
The Fifers arrived at Rugby Park full of hope, understanding the incredibly challenging task at hand, but hoping that we could shock the group. The objective was clear heading into kick-off, as three points would have been enough to see us progress safely as group winners. Kilmarnock however, coming off the back of a penalty shootout defeat to Kelty Hearts midweek, also needed all three points to advance. As a result, they flew out of the traps.
You could see the quality of Stuart Kettlewell’s side, as they looked alert, sharp and eager in the opening exchanges. After 10 minutes, Killie looked set to open the scoring when Watson broke in behind. Matty Rollo was ready for it though, and made a savvy save to keep the score level.
Unfortunately, it did not stay that way for long, and less than five minutes later, Kilmarnock had the advantage, and deservedly so. A simple drilled cross by Djenairo Daniels found Marcus Dackers at the back post, who tapped home from close range.
It was a two-punch knockout moments later as Kilmarnock doubled their advantage. In an almost identical set up, the cross came in from Brandon this time, and via a slight deflection found Daniels at the front post this time who, like Dackers, made no mistake with his finish.
East Fife struggled to gain any foothold on the game, and in the one-way traffic, Kilmarnock made it three. It was a lovely finish by Ben Brannan who curled a superb effort into the bottom corner from just inside the 18-yard box.
East Fife limped to half time, and started to have some half chances, but nothing to really test the Kilmarnock goalkeeper. East Fife knew that they needed a fast start if we were to pull of the miracle feat of flipping this scoreline on its head.
So, when the sides got back underway, it could only be described as nightmarish, as Brannan grabbed his second of the afternoon, and Kilmarnock’s fourth.
Nathan Austin had a half chance just after the hour mark though his shot, which was laid off to him by Gregor Nicol, was well blocked by the Kilmarnock defence.
On another day East Fife could have found the back of the net, potentially more than once, and in the last twenty minutes, we had a handful of opportunities, but we struggled to hit the target. Millar did manage to force Beach into a good save with ten minutes to go, but we just couldn’t put the ball in the net.
Reporter’s Man of the Match: Kieran Millar
It was difficult to pick a player for obvious reasons, but I opted for Millar, as he was a driving force in the attack despite his usual defensive acumen. If he wasn’t having a go himself, he would press high, winning the ball, allowing East Fife to have a go on the attack.
Kilmarnock – Beach, Mayo, Deas (Anderson 69’), Stanger, Brandon (Lyons 57’), Watson (Kiltie 57’), Megennis (Lowrey 28’), Polworth, Dackers, Daniels (Tiffoney 69’). Subs not used: Stryjek, McKenzie, Watkins, Brown.
East Fife – Rollo, Easton, Peggie (Nicol 45’), Munro, Bah, Millar, McManus, Slattery, Latona (Trialist 68’), Austin (Jones 68’), Trouten. Subs not used: Thomson, Bell, Blake, Ramsay, Gordon.
Referee – Lloyd Wilson
Attendance – 3,003
