Coventry feel right at home as struggling Kilmarnock fail to find the killer touch

Published on Sunday 3 August 2008 22:53

A PREVAILING feeling that another season of struggle lies ahead for Kilmarnock was given no discouragement as Chris Coleman's Coventry City strolled to a comfortable 2-0 success at Rugby Park on Saturday.

With the home side sporting a new purple away strip, it was the visitors who had the honour of running out in the blue and white stripes traditional to this corner of Ayrshire, and given their subsequent control over events, Coventry could hardly have felt more at home.

Mehdi Taouil and David Fernandez, the two players manager Jim Jefferies expects to supply the bulk of Kilmarnock's creativity, did begin to exert a greater influence on proceedings as the match progressed. But Kilmarnock's inability to convert their pressure into something tangible came back to haunt them in the 54th minute.

Goalkeeper Chad Harpur, on for Damien Rascle at the interval, bundled Julian Gray to the ground as he burst past him. A penalty was awarded and Elliott Ward converted with relish. Coventry hit a second goal nine minutes from time, Gray curling a right-foot shot high past Harpur from 18 yards.

There was similar Scottish disappointment at Turf Moor as Owen Coyle's Burnley claimed a 2-1 victory over Inverness Caley Thistle.

Craig Brewster would however have taken encouragement from a second- half display full of endeavour. Summer signing Andrew Barrowman gave a glimpse of his potential as he netted what proved to be a consolation goal after strikes by Burnley's Wade Elliot and Chris Eagles in the space of three minutes just before half-time.

There was better fortune for St Mirren as an early Billy Mehmet goal gave Gus MacPherson's side a 1-0 win over Darlington at the Balfour Webnet Arena. The win was clouded by injuries, as striker Craig Dargo was removed following an ankle twist and midfielder Andy Dorman was stretchered off after suffering a back spasm.