McClaren brings Jefferies delight

Scottish Review

Two second-half goals from Andy McLaren, a substitute, ensured Jim Jefferies tasted victory in his first game as Kilmarnock's new manager, 3-2 against Dundee at Rugby Park.

Dundee had been leading through strikes from Juan Sara and Temuri Ketsbaia either side of the break after Craig Dargo had given the home side an early advantage.

Stephen Murray made ground down the left wing and the former Scotland international met it on the half-volley to send it rocketing into the top corner.

McLaren's equaliser was difficult to cap, but he managed it, if not for quality but for timing, with a minute remaining. Murray crossed from the left again to find McLaren, who this time used his head to beat Speroni and win the game.

Jefferies had an extra 10 minutes to wait for his debut to start because of traffic problems, but within another 10 his new charges were ahead with a well-worked goal from Craig Dargo. But Killie's goalkeeper, Gordon Marshall, handed Dundee an equaliser with a poor clearance that allowed Fabian Caballero to set up Juan Sara just before the interval.

Temuri Ketsbaia put Dundee ahead in the 54th minute, taking Gavin Rae's pass and firing past Marshall from more than 20 yards out after creating space with a shimmy.

Bobby Williamson, who left Killie to take over from the Frenchman Franck Sauzée at struggling Hibernian, enjoyed a more clear-cut success in his opening game, a 3-0 victory over the only side below Hibs in the Premier League, St Johnstone.

Ian Murray scored twice before Garry O'Connor struck with a superb shot after the break to wrap up a victory that left Saints 12 points adrift at the bottom.

Hibs moved within two points of Motherwell, who were a little unlucky to lose 2-1 at home to Hearts. A late goal by Robert Sloan settled it after Keith Lasley had equalised Scott Severin's opener for Hearts. Sloan was picked out by the Austrian Thomas Flogel, controlled the pass and scored off a post.

A 50th-minute goal by Lee Bullen gave Dunfermline a 1-0 home win over Livingston in a disappointing game.