Kilmarnock

Sandy Armour
Fan writer

It's admirable that the manager keeps talking up our top six challenge but I'd be surprised if we are anything other than bottom six.

We have lost soft goals throughout the season and have the worst away record in the league, that is not a recipe to finish in the top half.

Our last-gasp defeat at Pittodrie was a kick in the guts but not a total surprise.

It was an even battle for most of the game however substitutions changed the flow of the game.

The Dons were boosted by their changes whilst ours made us worse and we were on the back foot for the last twenty minutes. Both the corner and the goal were avoidable but ultimately the battle-weary travelling fans had yet another miserable journey home.

The games come thick and fast starting with a visit from Rangers to the Theatre of Pies on Wednesday.

Our home record against them is good and with their managerial position now vacant, it's a good time to add another defeat to their collection.

The manager has hinted that more injured players will return shortly and with a trip to Dingwall on Saturday we need all the bodies we can muster.

We're getting into the business end of the season so any points picked up in these games could be vital.

Sandy Armour is editor of The Killie Hippo fanzine

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Derek McInnes insisted his side have not "given up" on the top six, after Kilmarnock fell to defeat at the manager's former club Aberdeen.

Killie had the chance to make it three wins a row but a late Oday Dabbagh goal saw them slip to ninth in the league.

"We'll not give up on the top six," McInnes said. "Before the game I thought four wins from seven games would cement it, three wins would give us a right good chance – and we've three home games out of the next five which we hope to make the most of."

McInnes faces another former club - Rangers - on Wednesday before travelling to Dingwall next weekend.

"Kyle Magennis will be OK for Wednesday," McInnes confirmed. "We got him scanned last week and there was no damage to his knee, just a bit of swelling in the joint.

"We thought he would make training on Friday but there was still a bit of swelling and we opted not to put him through the travelling with the Rangers game coming up.

"We're hoping to have Kyle Vassell back in training this week, so we're getting a wee bit healthier and I think that shows in the performances and hopefully shows in the performances between now and the end of the season."

Watch highlights as Aberdeen win 1-0 against Kilmarnock in the Scottish Premiership.

We asked for your views on Kilmarnock's 1-0 defeat against Aberdeen.

Here's what some of you said:

Steven: On the road, we are terrible. Aberdeen were there for the taking but we go there with a mindset that 'a draw is a great result'. Manager states last week that Kyle Magennis is ok yet he's not on the bench, David Watson gets sidelined for Liam Donnelly - it emphasises that the manager thinks size is better than talent.

John: Same old Killie - world beaters one week, then total duds the next. Stick with Bobby Wales up front, he has a touch about him that reminds me of Denis Law. Get him signed up soon, give him what he wants!

Robert: The one thing you can say about Kilmarnock this year is they have been consistently inconsistent. Great, poor, awful, average performances week after week. Finishing tenth will be a decent result.

Anna: When will Derek McInnes stop playing players out of position? A defender in midfield - Corrie Ndaba - and a midfielder in defence - Brad Lyons. Watson would have been a much better option at left-back but the defence needs a kick up the backside for not defending for the whole 90 minutes. How many more games will we lose thanks to poor defending?

Jim: There is not a lot of positives about the game. We needed to score a goal, so we took off Wales and kept Marley Watkins on. Can someone tell me what advantage we get with Donnelly playing or even being picked? Danny Armstrong comes on and gets booked, the goalkeeper... sorry, no positives. Is the manager for real?

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• Aberdeen have scored 11 goals via substitutes in the Premiership this season, only Celtic (16) have scored more.

• Aberdeen have a record of W7, D0, L1 when scoring the opening goal at home in the Premiership this season.

• Kilmarnock have failed to score a first-half goal in 20 of their 27 games, more often than any other team in the Premiership this season. They have failed to score at all in 10 of those 27 games - only St Mirren (11) have failed to score more often.

• Kilmarnock have conceded 12 goals in the last 15 minutes of the second half, only Ross County (16) and Hibernian (15) have conceded more in the Premiership this season.

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Kilmarnock midfielder Brad Lyons says their weekend defeat to Aberdeen won't derail the positivity they had been building, adding they are still very much in the battle for a top six place.

Killie lost 1-0 to the Dons on Saturday, an added time Oday Dabbagh goal making the difference in a scrappy encounter at Pittodrie.

"That's what we said at half time, it's very scrappy and the game seemed to be like one goal will win it and we were wanting to get on to the end of that," Lyons reflected.

"It's overall frustration, I don't think there was much in the game, it was scrappy the whole game but to lose it at the dying end, especially with a set piece we have only got ourselves to blame so it is very frustrating."

The defeat followed back-to-back wins for Killie, who have now dropped to eighth in the Premiership.

Such is the tightness of the table, while Derek McInnes' team are just four points off second bottom - they are also only three points behind sixth-placed St Mirren.

Next up is a home date with Rangers on Wednesday night.

"I don't remember the last time in a weekend that Celtic and Rangers both lost," Lyons added. "It's very frustrating but we are still in it, a couple of wins again and it gets us right up there for that top six spot.

'The last five or six games we have been playing really well , maybe not getting results, but playing well.

"Both teams would say they could have got a lot more quality in to the game but what a way to bounce back, Rangers at home under the floodlights on Wednesday night, so we can't wait for it."

Aberdeen continued their revival and kept hold of third place in the Scottish Premiership after Oday Dabbagh's injury-time goal edged out Kilmarnock.

The Palestinian international strike, making his home debut, latched on to a Leighton Clarkson pass and converted at the back post to ensure consecutive league wins for Jimmy Thelin's side and three in all competitions.

With both sides taking back-to-back wins into the game, there was a positive mood at Pittodrie, but chances were at a premium in a high tempo first half which burst into life as the interval approached.

Referee Nick Walsh awarded Kilmarnock a penalty after Liam Donnelly went down in the box under pressure from Kristers Tobers, but that decision was overturned after the offical was called over to consult the screens.

Moments later, Aberdeen had the ball in the back of the net, but Jeppe Okkels' curling effort was ruled out for offside after another VAR intervention.

The second half was a similar story – plenty of endeavour, but not a huge amount of quality.

Aberdeen went close just before the hour when Pape Habib Gueye played in Topi Keskinen, whose angled shot was parried away by Kieran O'Hara.

And it was the hosts who looked the most likely to snatch the points.

As full time approached, great build-up play ended with a Kevin Nisbet shot striking a post. But they weren't to be denied, with Dabbagh striking at the death.

Let us know your thoughts on the match here., external

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Kilmarnock manager Derek McInnes: "I thought we were worthy of something but ultimately we've come away with nothing. We are disappointed but we can't dwell on that disappointment too much.

"You always felt that 1-0 would be the result today, unfortunately we were on the wrong end of it.

"I was kind of hoping that both Rangers and Celtic would both win as that would keep up closer to the teams above us but you've got to take care of the your own business first."

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Kilmarnock have found life on their travels tough this term.

This means they have mustered just two wins from their 14 Premiership fixtures on the road. That is the poorest away record in the division.

It must be a real headscratcher for Derek McInnes, who has put together a very strong squad.

Having said all of that, his team only won four away league games last season in finishing fourth in the table.

So if he could find a way of digging out even just a few more away wins, everything in the Kilmarnock garden would be rosy.

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Aberdeen are still without Jamie McGrath, Gavin Molloy (both shoulder), Ester Sokler (hamstring), Dante Polvara (leg), Vicente Besuijen (knee) and Jack Milne (ankle).

Kilmarnock captain Kyle Vassell and defender Stuart Findlay (both ankle) remain out but both are back running. Midfielder Kyle Magennis had a scan on his knee and it proved clear.

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Joe Wright says Kilmarnock can take confidence from further back this season than just their previous two wins.

The Ayrshire side ended a four-game winless run with back-to-back top-flight victories over Dundee United and struggling St Johnstone, and now face an Aberdeen side who themselves halted a 14-game run without a win at the weekend.

"A lot of it comes down to mentality, probably confidence as well," said the 29-year-old defender. Probably the form we are in at the minute helps going into games.

"If you're going into the games confident, it obviously gives you a little bit more of an edge, rather than going in there a bit apprehensive.

"But I don't think it's necessarily just those two games. I think for a while we've looked a lot more solid.

"We've had a few results where we should have probably got more from the game. So performances have been good recently, and we've got to keep that going."

Wright is out of contract at the end of the season but he is focusing on helping Killie to a top-six finish and with it hopefully a European place again.

"It's not really on your mind," he added, when asked about his contractual situation.

"I'll be honest, I just want to perform as best as I can, whether I'm training or on the pitch, especially when the games are coming.

"We've got to a run of fixtures now, where they'll be coming thick and fast. You don't have time to think about it, to be honest.

"Games are Saturday, Wednesday, Saturday, so your focus is on the games, especially when it's as tight as it is in the league at the moment, you just want to pick up results and have positive performances."

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• Aberdeen have won six of their last seven home league games against Kilmarnock, losing the other 1-0 in December 2023.

• Kilmarnock have won four of their last five league meetings with Aberdeen (L1), as many as their previous 38 beforehand (W4 D8 L26).

• Aberdeen's 2-1 win at Dundee last time out ended their 14-game winless run in the Scottish Premiership (D4 L10). Before that winless run, the Dons were unbeaten in 20 league games (W16 D4), and before that streak, they were winless in 11 (D5 L6).

• Kilmarnock have won both of their last two league games, last winning three in a row within a single season in the Scottish Premiership in October 2020 under Alex Dyer.

• Kilmarnock have seen more goals scored by teenagers (excl. own goals) in the Scottish Premiership this season (6) than any other club. 19-year-old Bobby Wales has scored in two of Killie's last three league games.

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Derek McInnes says "it's up to us to deal with our own business" if Kilmarnock want to attain a top six finish in the Scottish Premiership this season.

Killie beat struggling St Johnstone 3-1 at Rugby Park last weekend to make it back-to-back wins for only the second time this season, leaving them in seventh place behind St Mirren on goal difference, with seven games remaining before the split.

There are only 11 points separating third-placed Aberdeen – Killie's opponents at Pittodrie on Saturday – and 11th-placed Dundee, and McInnes is in the mood to look up, rather than down.

"I've always tried to remain positive through some difficult results and injuries and stuff like that and I still believe that we've got to have the mindset of just trying to be a top six team," the manager said.

"If you're in the top six, you've got a chance of Europe, of course, and we've got a points tally in mind that we think gives us a chance and that's attainable for us with the games remaining.

"But we've got to perform each game as it comes, there is a different challenge up at Aberdeen on Saturday, to the one we had here against St Johnstone."

The Rugby Park side finished fourth last season, and enjoyed something of a European adventure, something McInnes would like to focus on again, rather than evading a relegation battle. Either way, he doesn't want to be relying on favours from elsewhere.

"Some games are a bit more difficult to win than others but you have to do a lot right to win games in the Premiership, particularly this season, with how tight it is," he added.

"We just need to focus on our own performances, focus on what we can deal with.

"Anytime I've spoken to the players over the last few years, (I've said) don't be dependent on others. Others will let you down.

"It's just up to us to deal with our own business and I think if we can take that responsibility on, meet that responsibility head on, then I believe there's good things to happen for us this season."

Sandy Armour
Fan writer

It was a very satisfying weekend for Killie fans as we grabbed three much-needed points while seeing the return of Matty Kennedy to the fold.

He is such an important player for us and it's looking like we'll have everyone back within the next few weeks, just in time for the run in.

Our win over St Johnstone was fully deserved as we dominated from the first whistle and scored three top quality goals, too.

It would seem appropriate to discuss the three scorers who were all outstanding in the game.

Liam Polworth is a big favourite of mine. When he plays well, the team plays well. His finish for the opener was perfection and he orchestrated the game in a way that no other player at the club could replicate.

Fraser Murray was man of the match and has been consistently good for a couple of months now. He provided a constant threat down the left and his 25-yard free-kick was the icing on the cake. A superb individual performance.

Some punters were comparing Bobby Wales to Dennis Bergkamp after watching the youngster's first touch and finish for the third goal. It was a sublime piece of skill and highlights the urgent need to get him signed on a new contract.

We are off to Aberdeen this weekend and a repeat performance should see us take something from the game.

Sandy Armour is editor of The Killie Hippo fanzine

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St Johnstone and Kilmarnock are investigating an allegation of racist abuse in the away end during last weekend's Scottish Premiership match between the sides at Rugby Park.

A club statement from the Perth club said: "We are working closely with Kilmarnock Football Club and Police Scotland to fully investigate. Any supporter with further information is asked to contact the club.

"We are a proud family club and reiterate that there is no place for discrimination in our game or anywhere in society.

"The club will be making no further comment at this time."

Kilmarnock added: "Discrimination will not be tolerated in any form at Rugby Park."

The Sportscene panel discuss Fraser Murray's contribution in Killie's 3-1 win over St Johnstone in the Scottish Premiership.

Kilmarnock dispatch bottom club St Johnstone 3-1 to move into the Scottish Premiership top six. (UK users only)

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Fraser Murray praised the mentality shown by Kilmarnock in their 3-1 win over Premiership strugglers St Johnstone.

Murray capped his impressive performance with Killie's second goal in a victory that bumped Derek McInnes' side into the top six, before they were leapfrogged by St Mirren on Sunday.

"We said before the game this was probably a six-pointer for us," the winger said.

"We said we needed to show a better mentality in these games and I think we've done that.

"We've got a tough week next week with three games. Hopefully we can start it off with a good performance at Aberdeen."

Killie fans, we asked for your views on Saturday's Scottish Premiership win over St Johnstone.

Here's what some of you said:

Stephen: As near a complete performance as we have seen this season. The tempo was excellent from kick-off, pressing high up the pitch and dominating a team that has beaten us twice already this season. Another defensive masterclass from Lewis Mayo. Bobby Wales emerging as a genuine talent and in Fraser Murray, surely the most improved player in the league.

John: Another win from a difficult game. Six points from must-win games, keep it going boys. It's about time we tied Wales down or he could get fed up waiting and move on.

Anna: A much better performance this time from the boys. Going 4-3-3, I didn't think would work but it did, big time. We were awesome all over the pitch but the standout man was Murray, who always carried the biggest threat. Good to see Matty Kennedy back because we missed him. Think we might now have a new striking partnership in Wales and Marley Watkins.

Kenny: Manager got the tactics just right, we were in Saints' faces from first kick and did not let them settle. Three very good goals and a 19-year-old that should be straight into the Scotland team. Saints played some nice stuff in game too, value for money on a cold day.

James: An excellent all-round performance with Murray and Wales outstanding, ably supported by Kyle Magennis, Liam Polworth and Brad Lyons in midfield. Three terrific goals sets us up for the next few games and if we keep playing the same way we can definitely make the top six.

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• Kilmarnock have a record of W5, D0, L0 when scoring the opening goal at home in the Premiership this season.

• Kilmarnock attempted four shots on target in this match, higher than their season average of 3.8 in the Premiership.

• Kilmarnock have scored in each of their last three games in the Premiership, scoring six goals in that run.

• St Johnstone have conceded 24 first-half goals in 26 games, no team has conceded more in the Premiership this season.

• St Johnstone have conceded seven goals in the first 15 minutes of the first half, more than any other team in the Premiership this season.

• St Johnstone have failed to score a first-half goal in 19 of their 26 games, no team has failed to do so more often in the Premiership this season.

Kilmarnock cruised to victory over St Johnstone to move into the Scottish Premiership top six for the first time this season and end the visitors' fine run of form.

Graham Carey netted a late consolation but St Johnstone are now six points adrift at the bottom, while Kilmarnock rise from 10th to sixth.

What did you make of that, Kilmarnock fans? As good a performance as you've seen this season?

What did you think of Fraser Murray's performance? And how badly do you want Bobby Wales to stay?

Let us know your thoughts., external