Clarke: Jones is no fall guy for the penalty
Jubilant Kilmarnock boss Steve Clarke hailed his on-form troops – and insisted he wasn’t ready to hammer under-fire Jordan Jones. Clarke was thrilled to see his side move to within just three points of league leaders Hearts with a third straight victory in the Premiership. And the Rugby Park gaffer had nothing but praise for his players as Jones received an ear-bashing from Dundee gaffer Neil McCann for diving to win the all-important penalty. Clarke said: “I knew it would be a difficult game to come after they got a boost, but I knew coming here there would be a bit more pressure on them as they hadn’t won at home. “I only saw the wide angle, the same look as I get from the bench where it looked like it was a penalty. People say there was a minimal contact. “We’ll have to look at it and see how it comes out. If you’re as quick as Jordan you sometimes anticipate contact. “People don’t realise that because not everyone is as quick as he is running with the ball. I’ve got to say the referee wasn’t too far away and he gave it without hesitation. “But it’s better to see the close-ups. People have told me there was no contact, but, from the angle I’ve seen, I can’t say there was no contact. “It’s been decent start. It was important for us to build on the back of two good home wins. I said if we came here and got a point seven from nine would have been good. “We’ve come away with all three, which feels even better. “A third goal would have made it an easier run, but I thought we saw the game out really professionally.” Clarke isn’t sure if he’ll keep striker Stewart on penalties after his effort was saved by Parish. He added: “I’m not sure if the we delay affected him and put more pressure on him. “Or maybe Greg’s just not a very good penalty-taker! “But he’s been great for us so far this season. “I can’t fault him. He’s a great lad who caused Dundee a lot of problems. “All in all, we’re just happy that the miss didn’t affect the overall outcome.”