Kilmarnock Reserves 3-0 Gretna Reserves

A youthful Gretna side paid the price for missed opportunities as their clinical Kilmarnock counterparts secured victory in the Reserve League. 

The Black and Whites, with ten academy players in the squad, deserved more for their efforts at Rugby Park although ultimately left empty-handed.

A defensive mistake presented Nathan Fisher with the first chance for the visitors but he blasted his shot over the bar with only the keeper to beat.

Reserve manager Andy Smith put on his boots for the first time in nearly three years to add experience to a young defence but they conceded before half-time when Iain Flannigan converted a cross from the left at close range.

And Kilmarnock added a second after the break when new signing Paul Dalglish fired past Conor Grant from 15 yards.

Despite the scoreline, it was Gretna who continued to create the better chances with Ryan Baldacchino and substitute Dan Robinson going close.

But Grant Murray put the result beyond doubt midway through the half with a unstoppable shot from 30 yards.

Gretna enjoyed another good spell towards the end of the game and midfielder Fisher had another shot saved as they failed to find a way through.

Gretna: Grant, Shultz-Eklund, Sharples, Smith, Easton, Baldacchino, Fisher, Griffiths, O’Hara (Robinson 46), Wilkinson, Makinwa (Cusack 65). Subs not used: Moffet, Cuningham.