KILMARNOCK manager Jim Jefferies was not getting carried away despite watching his team go top of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League with an impressive win at Dundee United.
Midfielder Gavin Skelton capped his first start for the Ayrshire men since signing from Gretna with his first goal just before the interval after the home side had dominated the first half.
Danny Invincibile sealed the victory with a fine strike in the 58th minute leaving Jefferies's men top of the SPL, albeit perhaps only until the Old Firm play at Parkhead on Sunday.
"It's a great win and there were some great performances but we won't get carried away", Jefferies said.
"No disrespect to the teams we played but we thought getting seven out of nine points before this game was a good start but thought this would be our severest test.
"Dundee United had a lot of possession in the first half but we restricted them to few opportunities and we got a lift with the goal just before half-time.
"It was a hard-fought game in which we took our chances and we didn't have too many, just like them, but I don't think anybody can deny that we deserved that win.
"We said we could go into the international break either first or second in the league if we really believed it.
"We are there now, we will either be first or second after the Old Firm game and it's nice to be there.
"We have put down a marker but we will see where we are after 10 or 12 matches, when we have played everyone."
United boss Craig Levein, whose side still looking for their first SPL win of the season, believes his players are gripped by an anxiety which is costing them dearly.
"That's football, eh?" the former Hearts and Leicester boss said.
"It was one of these days.
"I was pleased with the way we played and I couldn't see us losing the game but goals change matches.
"We played some entertaining stuff in the first half and passed the ball well.
"But we made two mistakes in the game and lost two goals, while they had two chances and scored them.
"We are anxious in front of goal. There were three opportunities in the second half when we actually hit our own player with a shot which tells me that is the case.
"We need to have some composure but if we play like that every week then I'll be happy."
Danny Invincibile sealed the victory with a fine strike in the 58th minute leaving Jefferies's men top of the SPL, albeit perhaps only until the Old Firm play at Parkhead on Sunday.
"It's a great win and there were some great performances but we won't get carried away", Jefferies said.
"No disrespect to the teams we played but we thought getting seven out of nine points before this game was a good start but thought this would be our severest test.
"Dundee United had a lot of possession in the first half but we restricted them to few opportunities and we got a lift with the goal just before half-time.
"It was a hard-fought game in which we took our chances and we didn't have too many, just like them, but I don't think anybody can deny that we deserved that win.
"We said we could go into the international break either first or second in the league if we really believed it.
"We are there now, we will either be first or second after the Old Firm game and it's nice to be there.
"We have put down a marker but we will see where we are after 10 or 12 matches, when we have played everyone."
United boss Craig Levein, whose side still looking for their first SPL win of the season, believes his players are gripped by an anxiety which is costing them dearly.
"That's football, eh?" the former Hearts and Leicester boss said.
"It was one of these days.
"I was pleased with the way we played and I couldn't see us losing the game but goals change matches.
"We played some entertaining stuff in the first half and passed the ball well.
"But we made two mistakes in the game and lost two goals, while they had two chances and scored them.
"We are anxious in front of goal. There were three opportunities in the second half when we actually hit our own player with a shot which tells me that is the case.
"We need to have some composure but if we play like that every week then I'll be happy."
Copyright (c) Press Association
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