Prediction v Kilmarnock (a)

Last updated : 14 August 2002 By Phil Swainston

TB has got to get hold of the players and try to instill a little bit more discipline into the side. There is a fine line between determination and recklessness and we must stay on the right side of that line otherwise it will not be long before we start to suffer from suspensions to key players.

When any team picks up a reputation for having a poor disciplinary record it is difficult to get rid of the tag however undeserved. It is perpetuated by the opposition, fans and the media making it easy for referees to act on their perception of a particular player or side rather than the if a tackle is fair or not.

Anyway back to the prediction for Saturday. Looks like a real tough one.

Kilmarnock have started the season with a fighting draw against Rangers and then snatched a win from Dundee Utd by scoring twice in the last 12 minutes. For the second Saturday in a row we conceded first but this time late on. I had almost accepted defeat when the score flashed up on the TV at about 4.35pm but all credit to the lads again for coming straight back into it and snatching a draw. The old adage of avoiding defeat when not playing well may have to serve us well this season.

Most ‘Well fans will remember the last time we played Kilmarnock and will be hoping for a similar result although surely a similar score will be too much to ask. Killie will be really buzzing and we will need to play good controlled football for the full 90 minutes to get anything out of the game. I think this may be just too much to ask at the moment and unfortunately can see us coming home empty handed.

Kilmarnock 3 - 1 Motherwell