Once again Motherwell had plenty of possession in the enemy half but very few goal chances were created. Ripley was the stand out player in the first half and despite the introduction of Moult for the second forty five McDonald was rarely troubled. The visitors took two of their many chances and the three points will be gratefully received at Rugby Park.
"Diabolical- the poorest performace since I arrived!"
The manager stuck with the one striker strategy and Moult began the afternoon on the bench. Lasley had not trained in the previous week and joined him on the sidelines. Ainsworth was given a rare start.
It took almost ten minutes before Kilmarnock were seen in Motherwell’s half but in that opening spell their defence coped easily with our insipid attack. We had a real scare when Gomis was easily dispossessed on his 18 yard line but Ripley made the first of four fine first half saves.
Our best opportunities came from breakaways but there was no telling endpoint. Hammell and Pearson were booked before half time as they put in illegal challenges to thwart dangerous threats.
Moult replaced Ainsworth at half time and the immediate impact looked encouraging. The striker had a header from a Johnson cross on target and McDonald was brought into the game. We were playing with more pace and pushing for the opener and from a corner McManus saw a header pass just over the bar.
But ten minutes after the break a deep cross into our box was met by Kiltie wide of the post. He met the ball cleanly and we were one down. Worse was to follow five minutes later. Our defence will not want to see the video as Slater was allowed to saunter for 30 yards before he fired low to Ripley’s right to end the contest at 2-0.
Thomas replaced Gomis and we made a fruitless attempt to recover but with the exception of Moult’s header against the bar at the end of the game we created nothing.
We travel to Tannadice on Tuesday for a game that now takes on even greater importance. If we can’t find a way to keep the opposition’s ‘keeper busy the winless run will be extended.