Kilmarnock manager Mixu Paatelainen praised his side's football amid snowy conditions at Rugby Park after Liam Kelly's double gave his side a 2-1 Clydesdale Bank Premier League victory over Hibernian.
Kelly swept home two accurate low crosses from on-loan Chelsea left-back Ben Gordon at either end of the first half as Killie continued their impressive form. The Ayrshire side have now won five of their last seven SPL matches and leapfrogged Motherwell into fifth place.
Paatelainen said: "I was pleased with the way we played in the first half. We started really well, passed the ball well. I felt the slippy conditions with the ball skidding across the surface helped us pass the ball around."
"He added: "We scored two excellent goals, passing moves with plenty of positive runs. It was good composure from wide areas to find the player and good composed finishes.
"Liam Kelly has just signed a new contract and maybe that was a thank-you."
Hibernian came back into the game in the 55th minute when Derek Riordan lashed a swerving shot into the top corner from almost 25 yards. But Edwin de Graaf squandered a good chance in the 78th minute, moments before Liam Miller was sent off following a long delay.
The Irish midfielder clipped the heels of Conor Sammon as the Killie striker ran into the box before confusion reigned over the outcome. Referee Craig Thomson gave a free-kick despite claims the offence took place inside the box, maintaining his decision after talks with assistant Brian McGarry.
Killie looked set to take the free-kick before another delay ensued as Thomson spoke to fourth official Thomas Robertson, with the red card then shown to Miller.
Hibs boss Colin Calderwood had no problem with the delay but was surprised with the reason given for Miller's dismissal. He said: "I think the decision was really whether it was in or outside the box and then whether it was the right person. The referee has deemed it as violent conduct.
"They are all part of the team so they are just making sure they get the right man. That's the way a team should operate. Whether it was the right decision, I haven't seen it again so I'm viewing it from behind. When I look at it I will give you a judgment but I was surprised he deemed it violent conduct."
Source: PA
