Jim Is Sad Stars Miss Tie Run-Out

Jan 13 2008 By Gavin Berry

GUTTED Jim Jefferies finally got some players back from injury and suspension - only for Kilmarnock's Cup tie to fall victim to the big freeze.

Referee Dougie McDonald had no option but to postpone the clash with Airdrie United.

Jefferies gave his players the weekend off after the decision that followed an inspection at noon at Excelsior Stadium.

He sighed: "There's nothing really you can do in that situation. We'll just have to play the game a week on Tuesday.

"I'd much rather the tie had gone ahead. We had welcomed two or three players back from injury so were better off than we had been for a while.

"Players like Craig Bryson were due to return and Frazer Wright was available after suspension. We'd have been a bit stronger in selection terms.

"We wanted the game on but that goes for everyone. But you couldn't have played on the pitch and we knew it. The inspection was a formality.

"When I woke in the morning I thought we'd be struggling. There wasn't much sun or heat to soften up the pitch.

"I was at Airdrie in time for the inspection and it was the right decision. Kenny Black and I both thought the tie should be called off.

"The wings were starting to get a bit better. But right down the middle and round the goalmouths it was solid and too treacherous for the players.

"The squad were meeting at Strathclyde Park so Billy Brown went to break the news they were getting a weekend off."