CUT OUT ‘STUPID’ GOALS, SLATER WARNS KILLIE

CRAIG SLATER admits ‘stupid’ defending has cost Kilmarnock dear after Gary Locke’s men conceded four or more goals for the fifth time this season. The Scotland Under-21 midfielder gave his scathing assessment after the Rugby Park side’s latest humiliation away to Dundee United. Their trip to Tannadice was billed as a win-or-bust clash for Mixu Paatelainen’s basement boys — but no one expected them to produce the stunning firsthalf onslaught that led to Killie’s thrashing. Now Slater has warned his team-mates if they do not start performing, the manager will find new recruits who can. ‘All through the week leading up to Saturday, we were treating the game like a cup final,’ said Slater. ‘We knew it was a massive match for us, not just United. ‘It wasn’t just the players it was a big game for — also the coaches, everyone at the club and the fans. But we let too many people down. ‘Hopefully that might be the wake-up call we need. There were a few home truths told in the dressing room after the match and that’s what was needed. ‘Everyone knows it wasn’t good enough. But it’s happened too many times this season. We’ve conceded stupid goals at times. Ones that could be easily prevented. Instead it’s been mistake after mistake. There were too many easy goals against United on Saturday. ‘Maybe this one will spur a few boys on — I know it definitely spurs me on to try to turn this around. ‘Maybe the manager bringing some new boys in is what it’s going to take to make a difference. ‘Competition for places has got to be high. If boys know they can go out at the weekend, put in average performances then start the next game, then that’s not good enough. ‘Everyone needs to be champing at the bit.’