Starting Line-Up: Alexander, Darlington, Barker, Cox, Loovens, Weston, Parry, Boland, Whitely, Jerome, Lee
The Bluebirds made it three pre-season victories in a row and kept up Dave Jones 100% record, however this was a hard fought victory as City had to step up a level against established Scottish Premier League opponents.
The town of Kilmarnock is situated near the west coast of Scotland, close to Ayr and about 30 miles west of Glasgow. Their ground has been completely rebuilt in recent years and is now an excellent 18,000 capacity all seater stadium, with single tier stands on all four sides of the ground. They share the site with a modern hotel and the excellent supporters bar was open to both home and away supporters for a pre-match drink.
City took to the field in their new yellow and blue away strip and began with an experienced line up, although it was a surprise to see Rhys Weston start on the right wing, surely not a sign of things to come, although he id finish the Hamilton game in a similar role, but that was due to an injury to Phil Mulryne.
The first half was largely uneventful, with chances few and far between for both sides as neither team found any fluency. City's first chance came midway through the first half and was the result of a mistake by the Killie goalkeeper, who appeared to slice his clearance, presenting the ball to Cameron Jerome. The young City striker took full advantage by placing his shot wide of the out of position keeper and into the back of the net. 1-0 to City.
City failed to register another chance worthy of mentioning in the first half and it wasn't until the 37th minute that Kilmarnock created an opportunity. Good work on the left hand side leading to a shot on the edge of City's box, which was comfortably taken by Alexander. Shortly before half time, the home side flashed a shot wide of goal, but City went in at half time with a 1-0 lead.
The second half saw the Scottish team step up a gear, causing City problems down both flanks and in particular on City's left hand side. Chris Barker was put under pressure on a number of occasions and was sometimes exposed as Paul Parry failed to provide cover. Around 7 minutes into the second half Killie drew level from a corner, as their number nine rose well to powerfully head the ball home leaving Alexander no chance. It was a well worked set piece but Dave Jones will have been unhappy that the striker was able to take his chance so easily.
Although neither side had a real grip in midfield, it was Kilmarnock who were creating all the chances. After about 15 mins, both teams made changes, Mulryne coming on for Weston and youngster Curtis McDonald (*** not Curtis McDonald - at the time of ammending this is an unknown triallist) replacing the ineffective Alan Lee. Despite the increasing pressure, it was City who regained the lead, McDonald (*** see above) flicking on for Jerome to control just inside the area, shaking off the close attentions of a defender and beating the keeping with a measured shot. 2-1 to City and a fine second goal for Jerome.
Kilmarnock continued to create chances although Alexander dealt comfortably with everything that came his way. In the final 20 minutes City made more changes, Koskela for Whitely in central midfield and Fleetwood for Jerome up front. In the dying minutes a Kilmarnock player flashed a powerful shot towards the City goal, Alexander diving full stretch but grateful to see the ball go just wide. However the Killie PA system started balsting out music to celebrate a goal that never was - much to the amusement of the 100 City fans who attempted a rendition of "You thought you had scored, you were wrong!"
The final whistle saw City celebrate an unlikely 2-1 victory and although the performance wasn't great, it's nevertheless satifying to City City come out on top even though they were second best for much of the second half. Seven of the eleven players who started played the whole game, with the back four undisturbed as Dave Jones begins to piece together his team with then opening fixture at Ipswich in mind. Next stop it's Falkirk on Saturday!
Final score, Kilmarnock 1 Cardiff City 2.