Plenty Of Plusses For Jefferies In Killie Win

Last updated : 06 August 2009 By Brian Murray
A rare win pre-season, a clean sheet and a 90 minute performance. Killie's victory over high-flying Burnley will tick a lot of boxes for the Kilmarnock manager.

He will be most pleased with his side's defensive showing, keeping Scotland internationals Steven Thompson and Steven Fletcher chanceless throughout. Steven Old looks like a real asset in the problem right back position, and his 6'4" frame causes real consternation in the penalty box at set pieces. His reading of the game and positioning auger well for the competetive action coming up.

Another plus was the secure, cionfident performance of Cameron Bell in goal. He had little to do in the first half in particular, but he handled one particularly dangerous cross beautifully at full stretch in that period and smothered Robbie Blake's bending shot well in the second. Alan Combe is unquestionably No1, but Jefferies has a reliable back up in the shape of Bell.

The stars of the evening for Killie were the midfield terriers in the shape of Jamie Hamill and Gavin Skelton. They were dwarfed by the Burnley midfield, but they refused to buckle and competed brilliantly to keep Killie on the front foot.

Conor Sammon also impressed up front with a busy, energetic performance. It is this area that will cause Jefferies most head-scratching. Without Kevin Kyle, and with Mark Burchill looking short of games, Jefferies doesn't have a goal scorer. On three occasions against Owen Coyle's men, Sammon had opportunities to get a shot away, but on each occasion opted to take an extra touch and the chance was lost. In matches when chances are thin on the ground, he needs a predator's instinct to have a go.

But, to defeat a Premier League side at any time is an excellent result, and particularly when you look at the list of players who weren't stripped for the match. Kyle, Combe, David Fernandez, Allan Russell and Mehdi Taouil were all absent, and will offer Jefferies an array of talent to choose from as the season progresses.For the first time in many a season, it is difficult to pick a strongest Killie XI meaning everyone will have to perform to keep their place in the team.