Season Diary - Week 04

Not many would have predicted Friday’s starting line-up for sure, but Lee Clark called it and it certainly seemed to work up to a point, so plaudits to him for that.

Despite facing a what is seen as a ‘new’ club to the league I would still have given my right hand for a draw before the match considering our form of late but I can’t now help but feel that we dropped two points.

Had we finished all our chances and the referee been a bit fairer then the game could have been over bar the shouting in the first half.

That’s not the way things work though and we struggled a bit in the second culminating in the sending of young Greg Taylor, quite rightly to be fair, but the defence were resolute and could do nothing to stop that free kick sailing in so the young guns (and Boydie) ended up having to settle for a draw.

Food for thought for the critics!

The weekend preview

With no games for the U13 Blues U15s and U17's this weekend.
It's the U13 Whites that have top billing with a double header against Clark Drive's two U13 squads, first up on fri night with a 6.30pm ko at St Josephs Academy then again on Sunday 9.45am ko at Irvine's Marress Park hopefully building on what they've achieved so far this season.

On Sunday its the senior ladies who have been on a great run of form recently and performing consistently to a high standard which is pleasing to say the least. Beating Celtic away from home last week was certainly no surprise to us even though they too have had a good run of form and were sitting in second place in the league. We welcome Boroughmuir Thistle to Rugby Park this weekend we certainly have a point to prove as we have been beaten twice away from home by them this season and don't feel as if our performances on these occasions are reflective of how good a team we are. It's a great opportunity to lay a few ghosts to rest and continue our winning form, kick off is 4pm Rugby Park Kilmarnock.

Good luck girls and coaches.  #wearekillie

Be The Boss - Jack Walton

This week's boss for the match against the new boys in the league is Jack Walton, husband of Susan, father of Sam and Killie through and through. Jack was born in the town and spent his formative years in Hurlford before moving back and now stays within a long throw from Rugby Park. On a Saturday night you can occasionally find DJ Jack behind the decks at Bakers reveling in some 90's house and such but the afternoon is reserved for Killie and hence we thought we'd ask him to share his master plan with us.

Thank you very much to KillieFC.com for asking me to be the manager for the upcoming game against Rangers (hereafter referred to as they or them). This is a game that whether played at Rugby Park or Castle Greyskull holds a lot of memories for myself.

Highlights being Tam Black's trundler or Pasca's nonchalant (played onside by a diddy) header and our victory over them in our first game against them in our first year back in the top flight.

Lowlights being hammered by eight goals in 1980 or having my religious status incorrectly guessed by an old woman with summer teeth screeching down at me from the top of the Copland Road Stand who then launched a greeny in my direction!

Anyway to the game and it's going to be tough because unless we get more loanees before Friday then we have to go with what we have so I will name my team and then explain my thinking.

DEFENCE
The Goalie picks himself so to rest of my back four. I am going to ask my boys to stay as a four; I want my fullbacks to play from in to out and not vice versa. I am going to ask them to stay concentrated at all times and for my full backs to tuck in tight and go with runners when need be.

MIDFIELD
In front of the fullbacks I am going to have MacKenzie on the right and Taylor on the left. My thinking is that they (Sevco) are strong in the wide areas and this gives my full backs protection and gives us good energy in wide positions. In central midfield I am looking for Dicker and Adams to be very competitive but also disciplined - if one pushes on the other has to sit tight. In front of those two I am playing the new lad Green. I like the look of this boy and once up to speed think he could become a favourite down our way. When we don't have the ball he can drop deep to reinforce our midfield.

ATTACK
Up top all on his own I have picked Boyd. My thinking is that a couple of seasons ago at Rugby Park against the Jambos, Boydie absolutely rag-dolled and bullied Danny Wilson and I'm pretty sure that he could do so again.

They like to keep the ball down and moving so we need to stay strong and focused and as much as I don't like to say it then let's get it up in the air and see if they can battle. We unfortunately do not have the players to go out and play teams off the park with the ball on the deck at the moment but we could really hurt them in the air.  As long as my team give it everything then I will be happy and if it's tight at the end then we could always bring Dave (Coulibaly) on to try and win it.

Finally going back to memories of us against them and one of the finest games I have ever seen at RP was over 20 years ago between the two reserve teams. A Killie team that featured Danny (that goal) Crainie, Ian Porteous and a trialist from the Buffs called Derek Anderson took on a strong side that featured Durrant, McCoist, Brian Reid and some Russians among others. A high scoring match full of flicks and tricks and a barrow-load of Crainie nutmegs. I'm pretty sure that they edged it 3-4. I wonder if anybody has the team sheets from that night because that would bring back memories?

KTID

Season Diary - Week 03

So much for that winning streak!

It’s a long way to Dingwall and an even longer way back when you get beat for the seventh time in a row from the former Highland League outfit.

It was a cracking sunny day in the north but there was no joy to be had for us as we put in another disjointed performance that barely registered in the ‘shots for’ statistics.

Two new players signed on Friday made their debuts, Adams and Hendrie, is it a coincidence that our performances are not all they should be when we keep drafting new faces in at the last minute?

I hear Chris Burke is training with us as well, but I hope that Lee can field a more settled side soon as the potential is definitely there, we just need some consistency in selection.

Celtic Academy 1-4 Kilmarnock ladies

Kilmarnock travelled to Glasgow to face Celtic hoping to avenge their defeat from earlier in the season when the Glasgow side took all three points away from Rugby Park.
  Killie started brightly but had nothing to show for their efforts over the opening twenty minutes. Both sides were working hard and to a certain extent cancelling each other out. That is, until Kilmarnock produced a goal to rival any other scored this season. An extended period of possession saw the ball shifted from right to left and back again until it came to the feet of Kirsten Rolf who looked up and threaded a perfectly weighted pass  that split the home defence and found the well timed run of Clare Docherty who slipped the ball past the keeper with her first touch to open the scoring.
A few minutes later the away sides lead was doubled. Another through ball caused the defence problems and the resulting back pass was picked up by the home keeper which resulted in an indirect free kick 12 yards from goal. A well worked set piece routine resulted in Sara Paterson sweeping the ball into the corner of the net to put the visitors two ahead.
At half time the away side were the most pleased and quite dominant within the game.
  Celtic changed formation and personnel at the beginning of the second half to try and affect some change to the pattern of the game. Kilmarnock continued to be the driving force in the game and twenty five minutes into the half and Sara Paterson scored a wonderful individual goal. She found herself trapped out at the corner flag with her back to goal with seemingly nowhere to go. A quick turn and sublime piece of skill saw her turn and beat her marker to make her way towards goal. She had options in the centre but ignored those and bent the ball into high into the far corner giving the keeper no chance to make it 3-0.
Celtic were thrown a lifeline with ten minutes to play when after a corner kick the ball bounced around the box before being smashed home from close range to reduce the deficit and give some hope.
  Kilmarnock were not to be denied though and looked the most likely to add to their goal scoring tally.
  Clare Docherty scored her 17th goal of the season after being put through on goal and lobbing the ball over the keeper from 18 yards to complete the scoring with 5 minutes to play.

An excellent three points for this young Kilmarnock side that pushes them up to joint third place in the league and sets them up nicely for the visit of Boroughmuir Thistle to Rugby Park next week who have beaten Killie twice this season.

The Ladies Weekend Preview

We again have a full card of fixtures, kicking off the weekend the U13s  Blues and Whites play each other on Friday night at Rugby Park not calling this one, as we would like both to win.

The U15s host last seasons performance league winners Central Girls at Rugby Park with a 2pm k.o on Saturday afternoon, this should be a big test for the girls to see how far they have come over the last couple of seasons.

On Sunday the 17s head up the coast to take on Morton with an early 12.30pm ko, hopefully following on from last weekend's convincing 6- 0 derby win over local rivals KSC girls.

The Senior ladies will be up at Barrowfield for a 4pm k.o. against the other half of the old firm Celtic, the young hoops winning 2-0 in the last meeting at Rugby Park but Killie will be in a buoyant mood after last weekend's draw with Rangers. The ladies played some fantastic stuff last weekend creating plenty of chances and the Glasgow side new they were lucky to get away with a point in that encounter.
Good luck to all #wearekillie

Be The Boss - Alan Green

What can we say about big Aldo? Quite a lot as it happens, but a fair amount of that may not be family friendly! The boy Green is a "weel kent face" about Rugby Park and about the town, as is the case when you are one of Royal Mail's finest. A season ticket holder, Aldo also travels to away matches with the Howard Arms bus when he can, and he's visited/slept in most stadiums around Scotland and on many a pre-season tour into the bargain. We thought we'd give Killie's best postie since Jim Wilson a shot of being the Boss as he's a bit out of practice since fiancée Lou moved in, here's what the professor had to say...

The formation I am going with is a 3-4-1-2.

GOALKEEPER
Jamie McDonald - Jamie has been a wee bit shaky so far but easily our number 1 by a country mile.

DEFENDERS
Will Boyle - Seems to be getting up to speed with our game up here and could be another Frazer Wright who also liked a head knock.
Miles Addison - No nonsense tank who could be vulnerable against a quick player but in my opinion should be captain and a real presence on the pitch.
Jonny Burn - I haven't seen much of the lad but he looks a solid, athletic guy who could be an asset to a three man defence.

MIDFIELDERS
Jordan Jones - The best signing Lee Clark has made and I think could play as a wing back if our three centre halves work well.
Martin Smith - After a slow start he is starting to show his worth and could form a good partnership with Dicker.
Gary Dicker - Our most experienced midfielder who on his day can win us a game with a pass. A few goals from him would help though.
Stevie Smith - Naturally left footed and should be on the left side. If we can get a right back sorted I would be delighted. Stevie could also work well as wingback as could young Taylor.

IN DA HOLE
George Green - Eh I could hardly leave out my namesake could I? I liked the look of the lad at Hamilton considering he had just arrived so think he is worth a shot just behind the front two.

STRIKERS
Kris Boyd - For obvious reasons Biydie would be my main man up top. He has been fantastic in the last two games and has the build and talent at set pieces etc.
Souleymane Coulibaly - The wee man is a work horse that ain't afraid to shoot. Far from the finished article but working alongside Boyd they could forge a very good partnership.

SUBS
Oliver Davies, Rory McKenzie, Greg Kiltie (if fit) or Adam Frizzell (if not), Callum McFadzean, Mark Waddington, James Cobain, Greg Taylor.

This is a real honour for me and one of the highlights of my 28 years supporting 'the mighty'. Thanks tae ma auld pal Baz for the chance and even if my team is duff, I am still proud to have had the chance to 'be the boss'!

KTID

Season Diary - Week 02

We left it late again on Saturday and struggled until we went with two up front.

Boomer has regained his touch in front of goal, and his hairline, and that’s him literally hit a ton of goals for the mighty.

Even his effort that went over the bar wasn’t so crap in terms of publicity!

Coulibaly hit yet another cracker that gave us our first three points of the season as we sneaked into a top six position.

It was a great result and gave the fans something to sing about but we are far from the finished article yet.

We still need a right back, some guile (or at least some passing) in midfield, and a guarantee that Jones will start every game.

I look forward to seeing what Kiltie can bring to the party when he comes back from injury.

Match Report

The Weekend Preview

Well it's great to be back, the summer break is over and we have a full card of fixtures this weekend.

First up is the U13s with the Blues away to Rutherglen and Whites at home to East Kilbride on Saturday morning.Both matches are friendly fixtures prior to the start of their league campaigns next week.

It's the Scottish cup 3rd round for our U15s. They were supposed to be away to rivals Hamilton, but due to unavailability of parks in that area we have been asked to provide one. Hopefully an unexpected home advantage will spur the girls to victory. Kick off is 12pm at St Josephs Academy.

On Killie's very own Super Sunday it's big games for the 17s and Seniors. The 17s have a 12.30pm k.o @ the Grange against local rivals KSC Ladies. With ‪#‎braggingrights‬ at stake, the girls will be looking to pick up the three points and get right back into the winning groove for the remainder of the season.

Last but not least our Senior ladies welcome Rangers to Rugby Park in the Super Sunday 4pm game. Forget the EPL on Sky, this is going to be a cracker. The last fixture saw Kilmarnock winning 4-1 comfortably at Tinto Park and this young Rangers team will be looking for some revenge in this, the return league match.

If you're free over the weekend, why not get along and lend your support to the girls. Finally good luck to all the girls and coaches.
‪#‎WeAreKillie‬

Be The Boss - Jim Thomson

Our second "Boss" of the season is Killie Trust Chairman Jim Thomson. Another long-time supporter, Jim is a retired policeman who is kept busy with his wife's cafe Corner 26 at the top of John Finnie Street and his extensive family...when he's got time for any of that after the golf of course. Sorry Jim! The genial giant works tirelessly for the club's fans organisations and as well as pulling the strings at the Trust he is on the committees of both the KFCSA and Young Kilmarnock, a definite believer in the joined up approach and trying his hardest to get the club more involved with its community.

Thanks to KillieFC.com for the honour and lifelong dream of "Being the Boss" this week. Let’s face it, I’ve nothing to lose as Davie Sneddon crashed and burned last week! For the second week in a row we face opposition from Lanarkshire with a visit to New Douglas Park. Hopefully, a similarly committed performance to last week from the boys will see us overcome Hamilton Accies, who will, no doubt, be smarting from their exit from the Betfred Cup in midweek to Morton. We know that pain! Usually very tight and dour affairs, it’s time to bring some spark to the team to help us secure our first three points of the season. The spine of the team picks itself...



GOALKEEPER
Jamie MacDonald - Everyone’s Player of the Year last season and an automatic choice in my team. Great shot stopper and provides real confidence for the back four.

DEFENDERS
Josh Webb - Time for a natural right back in the side. Josh comes highly rated and it’s time for him to step up to the plate and command a regular first team place.
Miles Addison - An absolute powerhouse in the centre of defence and will cope with the aerial threat that Accies will provide. Looks cumbersome at times when the ball is on the deck but reads the game well and can cause havoc in the opposition box at corner kicks.
William Boyle - A very committed performance from the young man last week sees him retain his place. Got caught out a couple of times but regular first team football under the watchful tutelage of Addison and Smith will help develop a sound defensive partnership.
Steven Smith - Our Captain did well last week and his experience and reading of the game showed on a couple of occasions covering for the inexperience of others. Although he did reasonably well at right back last week, I felt we lost momentum going forward at times while getting the ball onto his favoured left foot. We need his dead ball delivery to be more effective this week.

MIDFIELDERS
Jordan Jones - Has the ability to give defenders water on the brain with his dribbling ability and will provide the ammunition for the strikers. He’s the type of player to get fans up on the edge of their seat and defenders on their backsides!
Rory MacKenzie - Getting used recently in an unfamiliar midfield role, Rory puts in a real shift doing the unglamorous side of the game, harassing opposition players on the ball while always looking to drive forward when he gets the opportunity. Always capable of scoring.
Gary Dicker - Always eager to make himself available for passes from the ‘back four’, he has proved equally effective breaking up play in midfield and switching play to either side to start attacking moves. Another guaranteed starter
Flo Bojaj - With Greg Kiltie likely to sit this one out through injury, Flo comes into the team to provide that bit of flair that has been missing recently. He is very comfortable on the ball and a regular run in the first team will improve his confidence and help him develop an understanding with our frontmen.

STRIKERS
Kris Boyd - If Jones and and Bojaj can put the ball in the right areas, Boydie will score. Simples! He made a big difference when he came on last week. As well as scoring, he has the ability to hold up the ball and bring in others.
Soulemane Coulibaly - A tricky player with the ball at his feet, he could prove the perfect foil for Boyd if they get a run of games together. He’s not the best in the air and has suffered from a lack of a striking partner but he has goals in him and will benefit from Boyd’s knock downs.

Season Diary - Week 01

There has been a lot happening since my last submission and our fantastic result against Falkirk which ensured our survival.

The shareholders have called for an EGM to oust Michael Johnston from the board and it was reported last week that the board have done the same.

There have been more departures and arrivals than I care to mention with Lee Clark’s new look team failing to make much of an impact with an early exit from the League Cup and at loss at home in our first league game.

That said, we do look to be improving and if the boss could add a bit of creativity to the midfield and maybe a right back to bolster the squad, then it may not be as bad as some seem to think.

Two more things…the referee sucked and we need to start playing before 4:25pm!

Match Report

Be The Boss - David Sneddon

Our first 'Boss' of the season is none other than David Sneddon, son of one of Killie's most famous sons! David is on the KFCSA committee and has followed Killie all his days; there is no doubting his pedigree that's for sure. It was never going to be easy picking the first team of the season with so many new players and never having the same starting XI in the League Cup group games or the could of friendlies we've played, but David has tried his best and here is the team he's picked. Please note that we checked with the club and as we go live with this Josh Magennis is still with the club.

 

It is a privilege to get asked to Be The Boss for the first game of the new season. Many will probably say I couldn't pick my nose and they will probably be right. But anyway, here goes...

Goalkeeper
Jamie MacDonald - No brainer as Oliver didn't impress me in the last game. Jamie will always be my first choice goalie. 

Defenders
Josh Webb - Right Back. I think he needs a few games under his belt, but there is something there to work on.
Miles Addison - Centre Back. Big powerful lad who wins headers and is not pushed about by opponents. Got attacking power at set plays as well.
William Boyle - I am assuming he is fit for the game and is another who is good in the air. However can be got at by a small centre who has quick feet and will need a left back to cover for him sometimes.
Steve Smith - On the basis that Boyle is playing I want an experienced left back and although I have been really impressed by young Taylor, Boyle needs support.

Protector
Gary Dicker - Playing in front of the back four to pick up the out ball from defence whilst at the same time covering the runner from the Motherwell midfield. 

Midfielders
Josh Magennis - Josh has not had much rest close season and his performances have been below his standard. I do believe he can pick himself up for this season now and use his pace to get behind their left back Hammell. His long throw just got longer as we have narrowed the pitch.
Rory McKenzie - I know some will disagree with me here, but for me, Rory does a huge amount of 'dirty work' like Jamie Fowler used to do. Tracking back and covering off space to deter attacks. Some supporters don't appreciate this type of player. Rory can also get forward quickly to support the front men.
Greg Kiltie - Greg will always be one of the first names on my team sheet. He gives his all for the team and gets forward to support the striker. His late runs and awareness brought him classic goals against Falkirk. Top player for me.
Jordan Jones - Skilful winger who can take a player on a beat him. Motherwell have a new right back, Tait signed from Grimsby who is another getting used to the SPFL. If JJ can get beyond him his cut backs for Kiltie should prove fruitful.

Striker
Souleyman Coulibaly - I like him and his fearlessness to try something different. Takes the ball early and could catch McManus on the hop with his quick thinking.

Subs
Davies, Taylor, Frizzell, Boyd, M Smith, Burn and Bojaj.

There you have it. My team for tomorrow which some may find controversial. However I have just heard that we may have signed another defender. If Boyle is unfit maybe, just maybe Hoyte will replace him.

Would you like to "Be The Boss"? Get in touch with Baz or Michael on the forums and we can schedule you in for a match!

Ayr Utd gubbed at Rugby Park

Kilmarnock 7 v 0 Ayr Utd

The ladies were the stars of the Kilmarnock FC Open Day with local rivals Ayr Utd being put to the sword with a comprehensive victory no one could argue with. Killie dominated the game from start to finish taking the lead in the opening 5 mins with a looping header from veteran Carol McCluskey following Sara Paterson's corner kick. Kilmarnock added a second minutes later with Laura Neill scoring her first ever goal for Killie. The young Ayr Utd keeper dropped the ball from another in-swinging Patterson corner with Neill pouncing onto the mistake and blasting home from all of 6 yards.

The home were pushing forward at will now and added goal number 3 from another dangerous Patterson corner which this time was directed into the net from an unfortunate Ayr defender. Ayr United then came to life and pushed the home side back into their own half, although this was for a brief spell. The game itself was lacking in energy barely enough to excite the decent crowd that had stayed to brave the rain and lend support to the ladies, who know how to win at Rugby Park. A hatrick for young Nicole Telford was the highlight of the match, getting her first just before halftime to make it 4-0 at the break.

The 2nd half was much of the same, striker Munro getting on the scoresheet after eventually rounding the keeper to slot home 5-0. Telford added a brace late in the game to complete her hatrick for a memorable open day.

No disrespect to Ayr United ladies they worked their socks off ,this is their maiden season at senior level and as the scoreline suggests,were a league apart in terms of organisation and ability, we would like wish them well for the future but keeping a great tradition of rivalry between the clubs

Other plus points on the day were from the youngsters. With Chloe Ponton showing great distribution and link up play when introduced in the 2nd half. The 16 year old has stepped up to the senior ladies level unfazed. Laura Thomson was also called in half an hour before kick off to get between the sticks ensuring a clean sheet in the time she was given. Both are future stars at Kilmarnock Ladies.
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