Kilmarnock 1-1 Motherwell: Three things we learned
Kilmarnock and Motherwell played out a 1-1 draw at Rugby Park. Let’s look at the main talking points from the match…
Rugby Park was the venue for this bottom-six clash in the Scottish Premiership (Image: Laurie Finlayson)
Kettlewell’s run continues
The Steelmen now have clear daylight between themselves and basement club Dundee United as they are seven points clear of automatic relegation. New Motherwell boss Stuart Kettlewell can take a lot of credit for this as his side are undefeated in his three games in the dugout, with this his first in permanent charge. The former Ross County manager has been able to get a tune out of his players, which Fir Park favourite Steven Hammell could not manage in his time at the helm. However, it certainly was not plain sailing for the North Lanarkshire club as Callum Slattery’s last-gasp free-kick snatched a point.
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it
Kilmarnock came into the match in poor form, having lost three of their last four league games. However, they got themselves in front with 17 minutes on the clock through Scott Robinson, who prodded home from close range. Once in front, the hosts remained resolute at the back and any time the Steelmen forced their way through, Killie ‘keeper Sam Walker thwarted their efforts. However, the game changed with six minutes to go when Derek McInnes looked to his bench. The Killie manager had not made any substitutions earlier in the half and this seemed to impact the game, but not in the way the hosts would have wanted as they looked to preserve or even add to their one goal advantage. They brought on Ryan Alebiosu, Brad Lyons and Scotland under-19 international Bobby Wales all at once and this seemed to put a stop to any kind of momentum the Ayrshire side had.
Slattery’s stunner rescues a point for the Steelmen
With a minute of normal time to go, Slattery rattled home a stunning free kick past Sam Walker to send the sizeable travelling support into raptures. The free-kick came about after what appeared to be a needless foul from Rory McKenzie, and one which proved very costly for the home side. This result means Kilmarnock have slipped into the relegation playoff spot, whereas Motherwell look to be playing their way out of trouble as they remain ninth.