Analysis: Killie send Ayr packing but there are positives and negatives from the derby

It feels like we’re right on the verge of self-parody here at the Killie Chronicle in saying “you can’t need to score X goals to win a game”, but while Kilmarnock needed three to defeat their county cousins it’s absolutely better than the alternative.

Neil McCann’s side fell behind twice but a late winner from Nicky Cleșcenco assured Ayr United’s run without a major trophy will extend to at least its 117th year.

There was plenty to talk about both good and bad, so here’s our full analysis of the Ayrshire Derby.

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There was just one change from the 5-1 defeat to Celtic, with Robbie Deas coming into the defence after his two-match suspension.

That meant a continuation of the midfield diamond, with Michael Schjønning‑Larsen and Jamie Brandon asked to provide the width from full-back and Tyreece John-Jules continuing alongside Joe Hugill up top.

That said, as we saw in the opener against St Johnstone it was at times a slightly lopsided midfield shape with Erik Ring on the left performing the role Cleșcenco had been tasked with in Perth, presumably because Schjønning‑Larsen likes to come inside on his right.

There have been questions over the shape this season, but there was barely a chance to see how it would operate against a Championship side before the visitors took the lead.

It was a poor goal to concede all round, and the initial error comes from Brandon.

He receives the ball from George Stanger under a bit of pressure and wants to play the ball inside to Aaron Tshibola.

Unfortunately though his first touch is just a wee bit off and it takes him toward the Ayr man instead of getting it out of his feet.

That leaves him trying to poke it to Tshibola with the outside of his right and the pass is short, allowing Ayr to nip in.

To blame him entirely for the goal would be grossly unfair, as we’ll get to, and one couldn’t help feel sorry for him when he was hooked before half-time after having a bit of a nightmare.