Jamie Murphy kicked off facing the South Stand end ahead of the familiar Motherwell eleven. If consistency of selection could produce bonus points we would be top of the league!
Most of the first half action took place in the Killie half as wave after wave of claret and amber drove forward. Hammell and Law combined several times on the left wing and a series of tempting crosses kept the visiting defenders occupied. Humphrey joined in from the other flank and together with a series of corners from Hateley the pressure on the Killie goal continued.
The wall did its job
Our best chances came when a Hammell delivery was controlled on the chest by Humphrey in the right side of the box. He fired to the far post and only a fine stretch by Jaakola prevented the opener. Craigan had a powerful attempt stopped by the keeper following a corner and we were frustrated again.
Killie had a few breakaway flourishes in the first period and we were given a reminder of the threat they carry when Harkins turned Craigan at the angle of the box before beating Randolph with a low drive which ran to safety off the base of the post. A half time lead for the visitors would not have been deserved and thankfully we escaped.
The second half produced a breathless start and the play raged from end to end. Neither team engineered much in the way of clear cut chances with the exception of a double opportunity for Motherwell. A fine one-two released Jennings into the area and he blasted the ball on target. An instinctive save from Jaakola kept the ball out but it fel to Higdon and he fired a powerful shot that had to find the net. Again the ‘keeper produced a wonder save and the ball was deflected from its course.
Hammell, Craigan and Lasley picked up cautions as a few desperate challenges were made. The second half was a much more even affair but neither team could gain the upper hand. Murphy and Humphrey were replaced by McHugh and Daley for the final 20 minutes but the game ended with a point apiece.