May 25 2023 Post-match zone | Dundee United (A)
“Pack Rugby Park” was the message from Derek McInnes after his side’s 3-0 win at Tannadice set up a final day survival scrap with Ross County.
Speaking at full-time, the manager said: “We’re hoping that we can absolutely ram-pack Rugby Park on Sunday because the supporters do give the players oxygen and confidence. I think that Ross County will come and ask the question and we’ve got to be ready for that. But with supporters behind the team and the players taking confidence from tonight’s work, we’ll certainly go into the game in the best shape possible.”
You can listen to the full interview – HERE.
60-second summary
Kilmarnock took pole position in the race to secure Premiership safety by earning an impressive 3-0 victory against Dundee United at Tannadice Park on Wednesday 24th May.
Backed by an outstanding away support of more than 1100, Killie quickly moved through the gears in the early stages. Armstrong was first to drive a ball into the box, which was cleared with hesitance by a visibly nervy United defence. Polworth’s in-swinging corner was followed by Taylor’s long-throw as the visitors raced for an early lead.
Killie got themselves in front with just under a quarter of an hour on the clock. Vassell pounced on a ball recovered in the United half, before sending a left-footed bullet into Newman’s far corner (0-1).
Vassell soon came close to an outrageous second. The Northern Ireland international took the ball under control inside the centre circle with his back to goal before unleashing a strike towards the backtracking United keeper, who did well to turn the ball over his crossbar.
The Killie No.23 would find another route past Newman shortly before the half-time whistle. His strike partner Doidge recovered possession and lifted an effort over Newman before being wiped out by the ‘keeper. There was no need for the referee to point towards the spot as Vassell was on hand to knock the ball home from close-range (0-2).
Vassell’s evening would come to an end after an hour, having been forced to depart following a late challenge from Mulgrew. It was the Killie striker’s replacement who would put the game out of sight. Celebrating his return after a long-term stint on the treatment table, Cameron completed a lethal Killie counter-attack by calmly converting McKenzie’s squared ball across the box (0-3).
Result: Dundee United 0-3 Kilmarnock
Scorers: Kyle Vassell (14, 44), Innes Cameron (83)
Kilmarnock lineup: Walker, Mayo, Taylor, Stokes, Chambers, Armstrong (Alston 71), Lyons (McInroy 87), Polworth (Sanders 71), McKenzie, Vassell (Cameron 66), Doidge (Robinson 86).
Check out the image gallery below, thanks to club photographers Jeff Holmes & Ross MacKenzie:
