July 25 2024 Match report: Cercle Brugge (H)
It was all level as Kilmarnock faced Cercle Brugge in their Europa League second round qualifying first leg.
David Watson scored the all-important equaliser following on from Kazeem Olaigbe’s opener.
It ensures that the tie is level with the sides heading to Belgium to do it all again next week.
Kilmarnock were awarded a penalty in the opening 30 seconds, but it was overturned due to the ball going out for a goal-kick in the build-up.
Immediately prior to this, captain Kyle Vassell smashed an effort towards goal but it was saved well down low by Warleson in the Cercle goal.
Abu Francis tried his luck in the 25th minute from distance, but it didn’t trouble Robby McCrorie as he watched it fly over the crossbar.
Kazeem Olaigbe looked sure to score just after the half-hour mark, he was slipped through on goal but thankfully for the hosts he blazed over.
A minute later Abdoul Kader Ouattara powered a header on target from close range, but McCrorie was equal to it and pulled off a fantastic save.
Brad Lyons had a great chance after 38 minutes when the ball fell kindly to him at the back post, but he couldn’t connect with it well enough to direct on target.
Cercle fired themselves in front when Olaigbe’s curled home a fine effort, leaving McCrorie helpless.
Stuart Findlay had the ball in the net on the hour mark as he fired home a bullet header, but his joy was short-lived as it was disallowed for a foul.
Killie then got themselves level in the 70th minute when a Kyle Vassell header deflected off David Watson and into the net.
Fraser Murray had a couple of fantastic chances in the closing minutes but it wasn’t to be.
Score: Kilmarnock 1-1 Cercle Brugge
Team: McCrorie, Wright, Mayo, Findlay, Deas, Armstrong (Murray 77), Donnelly, Lyons, Watson (Polworth 77), Kennedy (Anderson 77), Vassell
