The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Dyer hails Killie spirit as O’Hara laments lack of Motherwell action
Kilmarnock manager Alex Dyer hailed his side’s character after they came from behind to beat Livingston on their return to Pr e m i e r s h i p action following their Covid-19 woes.
Goa ls from Aaron Tshibola, Chris Burke, who scored a penalty, and Greg Kiltie meant Scott Pittman’s opener for Livingston was rendered a consolation.
The Rugby Park side tried and failed to get the game postponed due to their entire squad still building their way back to match fitness following a 14 -d a y sp e l l in self-isolation.
But Kilmarnock were full of energy as they picked up their third straight league win to strengthen their fifth place position.
Dyer said: “They’ve had two weeks without doing anything and to come in and put in a performance like that is very pleasing.
“They’re a little bit tired but they worked hard for one another.”
Meanwh i le former Dundee midfielder Mark O ’Hara adm its h is Motherwell side’s lack of match practice is becoming a concern following their latest last-minute call-off.
Well’s trip to Paisley was postponed at 12.30pm on Saturday after a further Covid-19 case in the St Mirren squad saw the Buddies pull out.
Saints had suffered two positive cases and a further self- isolation during the week before the added case prompted instructions for more players to separate themselves from the rest of society.
The SPFL is investigating the circumstances that led to Jim Goodwin being left with only eight outfield players and four goalkeepers at his disposal.
It was a second game in succession that Motherwell had postponed at short notice after Kilmarnock’s entire first- team squad were ordered to self-isolate earlier this month.
With Stephen Robinson’s side not involved in the Betfred Cup group stage, they have not played since losing to Rangers on September 27, in what was their fourth game in 10 days.
Now they will prepare to host Ross County on Saturday hoping that no more ill fate awaits them.
O’Hara told Motherwell’s Twitter account: “It’s so frustrating, we spent the whole week preparing for the game and to get to such a late stage and not get the game was very disappointing.”
“It’s a very difficult time for everybody and we need to adjust to it.
With their first two positive cases emerging last Monday and the selfisolation period being 10 days in that situation, St Mirren could be up to 10 outfield players by the time Hamilton are due to visit the Simple Digital Arena on Saturday.
Chief executive Tony Fitzpatrick said: “This is hugely frustrating for our fans, the players and staff, and for everyone connected with the club.”