Kilmarnock 2-0 Dundee: Three things we learned

By Laurie Finlayson

A crowd of over 5,000 witnessed this fourth round clash

Kilmarnock secured their place in the fifth round of the Scottish Cup with a 2-0 victory over Dundee at Rugby Park. Let’s look at what stood out:

Killie get the job done in just three minutes

It took Kilmarnock just 18 seconds to break the deadlock with captain Kyle Vassell scoring straight from kick-off, taking advantage of some hesitancy from Dundee goalkeeper Adam Legzdins. The Northern Irish striker showed real sharpness to get in front of the Dark Blues’ shot-stopper and put Killie ahead in the tie.

 

This caught the visitors off-guard, and their torrid start continued as Kilmarnock doubled their advantage after Danny Armstrong’s whipped free-kick caused chaos in the Dundee box as they left Marley Watkins free to head the ball home. Tony Docherty’s side thought they had given themselves a lifeline after Luke McCowan found the back of the net, only for the assistant referee to raise their offside flag. It could be said that Dundee spurned their Scottish Cup chances after just 126 seconds.

Third time lucky for McInnes

Rugby Park boss Derek McInnes got the better of his long-time right-hand man, Tony Docherty at the third time of asking. The previous two meetings have effectively been carbon copies of each other, both being 2-2 draws where Dundee grabbed last-minute equalisers.

Tony Docherty and Derek McInnes shaking hands before their first managerial meeting (Image: Getty Images)

 

The current Dundee manager is a managerial newcomer, getting his first role in charge of a club at the age of 52, having served as McInnes' number two for 15 years. However, on the whole, he is thriving at Dens Park as the newly promoted Premiership side sits in seventh place. Docherty proves that good assistants and coaches can succeed as the main man. However, his mentor got the better of him on this occasion.

Killie are potential tournament dark horses

Kilmarnock have been drawn at home to the winner of Tuesday night’s rescheduled fourth-round tie between Brora and Cove Rangers.

 

Brora, who sit ninth in the Highland League, have played at Rugby Park previously in the Scottish Cup. On that occasion, the Ayrshire side ran out 4-0 winners. Cove, who sit third in League One will undoubtedly be favourites to face Killie, but time will tell. Either way, it’s a favourable draw for the Ayrshire side who might fancy themselves to go far in the competition.

SportLaurie Finlayson