KILMARNOCK manager Jim Jefferies insists his side answered their critics in some style by romping to a 4-2 win over Aberdeen in their Co-operative Insurance Cup third-round tie at Rugby Park last night.
Killie's fine early-season form had been spoiled by successive defeats to Rangers and Celtic but any doubts about Killie's mettle were blown away in a remarkable first half against the Dons.
Irish striker Conor Sammon grabbed his first two competi
tive goals for Killie since signing from Derry City in the summer and the Ayrshire side also scored through David Fernandez and Mehdi Taouil, from the spot. The visitors kept in touch through a Gary McDonald strike and a Lee Miller penalty but there was no way back for Jimmy Calderwood's men after the break.
Jefferies said: "People were beginning to ask questions about us after two defeats by the Old Firm, asking if the bubble was burst but we answered them.
"I thought we were fantastic. Aberdeen had not lost any goals away from home this season and that record was gone within a minute or so. I was a wee bit disappointed with the first goal we lost, that was the softest we have lost all season. But we got a couple of goals in front and Aberdeen did what they do on a lot of these occasions, they had a go and pushed men forward. With the type of players that we have got in Fernandez, Taouil and Bryson breaking from the midfield, we looked as if we could have scored more goals in the second half than we did in the first half."
Jefferies praised Sammon, who suffered a dead leg and was taken off at the interval. He said: "That will do his confidence a world of good. We always said that it just was a matter of getting his first goal for the club and to get it early was great. He has just turned 21 and he has been part-time for most of his career but he looks as if he is a real prospect."
Aberdeen manager Jimmy Calderwood was dismayed at how poorly his side had played after travelling to Ayrshire having not conceded a goal on their travels this season.
He said: "Take nothing away from Kilmarnock but our defending was very poor. We played well on the ball but every time we came back we gifted them another.
"It was strange because we have been so strong away from home.
"We had high hopes against Kilmarnock but you can't defend like that and expect to win games."
The full article contains 442 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
