We had the first chance of the match when McLean won a header from a corner but the ball was booted off the line. Minutes later Killie took the lead – McLean was involved again, this time he was beaten by Naismith and he fed Johnston. Boyd evaded his marker to head home.
Kerr sets up for the second goal
Despite the goal Kilmarnock could not take control of the game and we were soon on level terms. Kerr’s free kick was headed down by Hamilton and McDonald stayed cool to finish under pressure. Both teams had chances before the break although our long range efforts were easily dealt with by Combe. At the other end, Smith had to look alert to tip over a Simon Ford header.
We made the better start to the second half and took a deserved lead in the 54 minutes. Ford barged Hamilton from behind and the resultant free kick gave Brian Kerr his second goal in consecutive games. His lovely shot from around 22 yards left Combe with no chance.
The chances were coming thick and fast now – Boyd blasted over before the slightest of touches denied Foran a tap in. Then Hamilton did well to beat his man to a cross but could only turn the ball into the side netting. He should have scored five minutes later though but he dallied on the ball and could only shoot at Combe.
In the last ten minutes Killie stepped up the pressure in search of an equaliser and an Invincible shot was deflected wide with Smith helpless. From a corner Nish headed over when a goal seemed certain but the game changed completely in the space of sixty seconds. Kerr struck the post with a free kick from an almost identical position to his goal and Killie broke away for one final thrust. We couldn’t make a clearance and although Smith saved Boyd’s initial point blank shot he couldn’t hold the ball and Boyd bundled over the line.
The draw was probably fair but it is a hard way to lose two points. Had Kerr’s second free kick been six inches to the left we’d be toasting a 3-1 victory instead. Such is the fine margin between success and failure but we can take heart from what was a good performance. We can also be pleased with the knowledge that should Boyd depart Kilmarnock in January, they will sink like a stone. We’re still sixth but tonight is an annoying case of what might have been.