Source: Team_Talk
Jefferies revels in Killie efforts
Kevin Kyle was the hat-trick hero as Killie eased their relegation fears and plunged opponents Falkirk deeper into trouble with a 3-0 victory at Rugby Park.[LNB]Home boss Jefferies could hardly hide his delight after the match and insisted his side were due three points after several luckless outings.[LNB]He said: "We have been playing well at home, and away - apart from last week at Tynecastle - but today was an absolutely terrific effort by all the lads.[LNB]"We had a tough time in the opening 15 minutes of the second half when Falkirk had a real go at us, but we stayed firm and got through it.[LNB]"Maybe we got the breaks today that have been missing over the past few weeks. But, despite all that has gone on, we refused to listen to anything negative."[LNB]Jefferies' gamble of starting without playmaker Manuel Pascali worked brilliantly and he praised his midfield players for their resolute performances.[LNB]He said: "We went with Gavin Skelton with Craig Bryson instead of Pascali. I think it paid off, even though they maybe sat a wee bit too deep at times.[LNB]"But the lads dug deep and won more then their fair share of 50-50 balls."[LNB]And while not being one to single out players, Jefferies could not help but beam with joy at the mention of hat-trick hero Kyle, who joined the club in January.[LNB]"He came up here having never played in Scottish football and has done terrifically well, even if he has had a bit of a tough time of it," the Killie boss said.[LNB]"He should take a huge lift from today - as should all the players. But we are not out of the relegation battle yet - there are still some tough games to play.[LNB]Falkirk boss John Hughes admitted Kilmarnock showed more desire but insisted his side played the best football.[LNB]Despite that, Hughes revealed he is planning to review his tactics for the remaining league fixtures, with his side in danger of being cut adrift at the foot of the table.[LNB]He said: "My boys were the better footballing side in the first half, but their first goal killed us a wee bit.[LNB]"Maybe I got the tactics wrong but every game is a battle, not just this one.[LNB]"I still believe that the hardest thing to do - and the most important thing to do - is getting players to control a ball, create things for one another and play as a team.[LNB]"You shouldn't have to coach mental toughness but, admittedly, there was something wrong with our mindset today.[LNB]"It goes against my philosophy and my principles but maybe we will have to look at the way we try and play the game.[LNB]"The most important thing is we stick together.[LNB]"We lost all the one-on-ones all over the park today and that is why Kilmarnock won the game, but fair play to big Kevin Kyle.[LNB]"I know he has come through a lot of operations and he took his goals well today."[LNB][LNB]
