Kilmarnock fought valiantly in a tight game at the Black & Gold Stadium, more commonly known as Rugby Park. Sadly, just a week ago they experienced that setback against Livingston. After the first half on Saturday, the game went in a direction nobody expected. M Sylla unconsciously put through his own net on 31 minute mark and this turning point decided the final result of the match. The listed attendance for this clash was just 3,430 fans.
The mood at Rugby Park was incredible with both sets of fans filling the stands to cheer their teams on. Kilmarnock, seeking to build on their fourth place standing, took aim at this match as one they could win. The unforeseen twist of fate in the opening 45 shifted the tides of the match.
Sylla’s own goal was the result of miscommunication in the back. When a cross from Livingston’s attacking player zipped along the penalty area with no one to meet it, Sylla reacted quickly to clear it. He inadvertently headed the ball into his own goal. This disastrous time turned momentum in favor of Livingston, who took full advantage of Kilmarnock’s turmoil.
After giving up the goal, Kilmarnock put in even more pressure in a complaint attempt to level the scores. They didn’t quit and they kept playing aggressively and generating some really dangerous scoring chances. The home team showed tremendous character, mounting an impressive assault on the visitor’s goal to restore order to the contest. That was when Livingston’s defense stepped up, keeping a clean sheet for Kilmarnock and preventing them from scoring any goals.
As the second half started, Kilmarnock were still the more likely to find a leveler. Their midfielders pressed all the way across the field to produce pacey counter-attacking opportunities, and their forwards continuously made darting runs behind defenses into the attack. Try as they might, the alternating waves of blue shirts had no joy in breaking down Livingston’s rigid defensive structure.
Strengthened by their 2-0 lead, Livingston sat deeper and played more defensively, attempting to catch Rangers on the counter. They found great success with their pace on the wings and pressing to find Kilmarnock’s weaknesses. This strategy worked a treat as they dominated possession and stifled any real threat from Kilmarnock.
The game continued on in a back and forth format with both sides clawing tooth and nail for the advantage. Kilmarnock were still intent on getting back into the match and they pushed hard to get through Livingston’s solid back line. The home crowd were a 12th man as they cheered their team on, urging them to attack and get after it.
As the final whistle drew near, Kilmarnock made one last long-range effort to level. They pushed players into the attacking third, and the chances came one after the other as they created a storm of commotion and chaos. What was most impressive was their intensity from start to finish. Sadly, they were unable to find the vital goal that would have given them a deserved point.
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