Killie celebrate

By Graham Barnstaple
March 19 2012

Kilmarnock’s League Cup triumph over Celtic yesterday was tinged with sadness following the death of Liam Kelly’s father after the game.

Kilmarnocksecured their first ever League Cup win thanks to a second half goal from Belgian Dieter Van Tornhout, but celebrations were cut short when news filtered through that Liam Kelly’s father had suffered a heart attack.

The Scotland Under 21 International didn’t go up to receive his winners medal as he saw his father being treated in the tunnel. The remainder of the players were unaware of what was happening and carried on with their celebrations, but as soon as the news reached them this was halted and the players returned to the dressing room.

For the game itself Killie were under pressure for much of the time and were grateful to their keeper Cammy Bell who turned in a Man of the Match performance to secure the win.

How Craig Levein could dropBellout of his last squad in preference to Craig Gordon beggars belief! Hopefully the watchingScotlandmanager will reconsider for his next squad.

Celtic were left rueing a number of squandered chances throughout the game, and a late penalty denied when referee Willie Collum decided to book Anthony Stokes for simulation, when he could easily have awarded the spot kick.

This led to a bit of a rant from Celtic Boss Neil Lennon, who as he often does, showed no grace in defeat.

The Killie fans now have something to show for what is a season which has been a disappointing one in the SPL as it looks as though will miss out on the top six despite the plaudits Kenny Shiels side has been given.