Kilmarnock 4 Motherwell 1

Last updated : 13 August 2005 By Footymad Previewer

Steve Naismith inspired Killie to an impressive victory as he tormented the Motherwell defence.

In the twelfth minute he lobbed a perfect pass for Allan Johnston, who took the dropping ball first time on the volley. He didn't connect properly, but the ball crashed off retreating defender William Kinniburgh and rolled in at the near post.

Eight minutes later it was 2-0. Killie stretched 'Well, spraying the ball the full width of the pitch with David Lilley eventually sending over a cross from the right. Naismith leapt to meet the ball, but rather than go for goal he nodded the ball over the last defender for Kris Boyd to volley home his first goal of the season.

It had been all Killie in the opening quarter with Motherwell's best chance coming thanks to Garry Hay's woefully short pass-back, but David Clarkson shot wide of the empty net after rounding the keeper.

The visitors got back into the match thanks to a controversial goal four minutes before the interval. Jim Paterson tripped David Lilley as the pair chased a loose ball, but referee Dougie McDonald waved play on. Paterson ran into the box and squared for Clarkson to tap past Alan Combe.

Killie continued to dominate after the break with Hay lashing a shot into the side netting from a tight angle before Naismith registered his third assist of the afternoon. He peeled off to the left and passed into the danger area for Gary McDonald to steer the ball into the far corner.

Motherwell posed no threat and number four came in the 73rd minute when Boyd found space to nod Gary Locke's corner easily into the corner.

Well's day was summed up when substitute Scott McDonald could only hit the post when clean through in injury time.