Summer signings struggle to shine
KILLIE manager Lee Clark fielded five summer signings in a new-look starting 11 but struggled to find many positives after this unconvincing win.
Second-half goals from Souleymane Coulibaly and Will Boyle staved-off the threat of a shock, though a late Clyde goal had the top flight side hanging on.
Clark said: “I’m a bit disappointed with our overall performance. There’s a lot to work on but there were some good individual performances, especially the centre-half pairing who looked strong and Souleymane who looked explosive.
“So we’ve won the game but there’s a lot of work to be done.”
Speaking about the new faces, Clark added: “They’ve been working hard. A few of the new signings have hit the ground quicker than others but they just need to bed in.
“It’s still early in pre-season but I want a cup run in both cup competitions.”
The visitors started the game well, creating a few early opportunities with Coulibaly having two headed efforts, one into the keeper’s arms and the other just over that bar.
The best chance of the first half was created by Clyde midfielder Dylan Easton who exchanged passes with Sean Higgins before rifling a shot just wide of the post from inside the area after 21 minutes.
The deadlock should have been broken on the hour when Clyde were presented with a golden opportunity after Easton’s shot was blocked by the hand of Killie defender Will Boyle.
Scott Linton stepped up but hit a dreadful penalty which was easily saved by Killie keeper Jamie MacDonald.
Less than 10 minutes later Clyde were punished as substitute Josh Magennis crossed the ball low to Coulibaly who controlled the ball before back-heeling into the net to put his side in front.
The visitors’ lead was doubled after 76 minutes when a Jordan Jones corner was headed powerfully into the net by Boyle.
Clyde did pull back a consolation goal with three minutes remaining as Easton crossed and Jamie Watson fired the ball home with a fierce volley from six yards.
Despite defeat, Bully Wee gaffer Barry Ferguson was happy with his side’s performance and said: “We should have won. I thought we were the better team.
“I was disappointed after we missed the penalty and we looked a bit sorry for ourselves but these things happen.
“I don’t think you could see a massive difference between the two teams and overall I was proud of how we played.”
Ferguson added: “We need to try get up a league. We’ve been progressing every year so far.”