Kilmarnock 1-1 Dundee Utd: Locke hails 'brilliant' 10-men

Kris Boyd scored his 95th goal for Kilmarnock

Kilmarnock manager Gary Locke heaped praise on his side for their response to going a man down as they drew 1-1 at home to Dundee United.

Kris Boyd gave Killie an early lead, however Stuart Findlay was sent off for a foul on Ryan McGowan in the box and Billy McKay levelled from the spot.

"The decision at the penalty changes the game, but we still looked really good on the break," said Locke.

"I thought the boys did brilliantly and were unlucky not to win it in the end."

Despite the blustery conditions both sides created numerous chances in an entertaining game, and United could have had a second penalty when Blair Spittal appeared to be pulled back by Mark Connolly.

Locke admitted it could have been given, but felt the one that was awarded was soft.

"It certainly looked like Stuart doesn't do a lot and from where the ref was I wasn't sure about his view of it," Locke told BBC Scotland.

"Unfortunately it's a big decision that went against us, but the response from the players was brilliant and they deserve enormous credit for the way they went about the game.

"With 10 men we still looked really dangerous, we still had a lot of the ball and we used it well, and all day we caused Dundee United problems. If we had kept 11 men on the pitch, looking at the game I thought we would have won.

"Being down to 10 men for so long, it's a good point."

Dundee United manager Mixu Paatelainen believes his side are making progress, despite still lying six points adrift at the bottom of the Premiership.

He said: "We had clear cut chances like last week so that's a positive. That means that our passing is at a standard that allows us to get those goal-scoring opportunities. We just simply need to take them.

"We're getting there, we're working hard and our general play is not too bad.

"The goal we conceded was so, so sloppy and so stupid. It was a fantastic ball into the box but we should defence that situation better."