Derek McInnes knows Kilmarnock need to start taking their chances

Derek McInnes bemoaned Kilmarnock’s profligacy in front of goal after spurning a host of chances in the 0-0 draw with Motherwell.

Killie had over 70 per cent possession in the first half and their dominance continued after the break but they could not find a way past Aston Oxborough.

The Motherwell goalkeeper produced several good saves as Killie racked up 16 shots, compared to the visitors’ seven, but it ended in a stalemate with the Ayrshire side remaining in ninth in the William Hill Premiership.

It was the ninth time this season that Kilmarnock had failed to score in the league and it left McInnes frustrated.

“Draws should feel like losses at home and it felt like that tonight,” McInnes admitted.

“It was one-way traffic and we completely grabbed hold of the game. Everything that we worked on was there but you need to find a way to score.

“Motherwell defended well, we got a goal disallowed and hit the bar. It’s hard to be critical when the only aspect missing was the final part but we have to make sure they are winning performances.

“We need to score more goals when we dominate games like that to get to where we want to be as a team. You aren’t always going to dominate games like that but when you do, you need to take your chances.

“The last few games have felt like missed opportunities for us because we could have moved into the top six tonight.”

Kilmarnock had a penalty claim in the first half waved away for a handball against Kofi Balmer and McInnes felt it should have been awarded.

He added: “I thought we should have had a penalty. Balmer’s hand was out and away from his body so I’m surprised that it wasn’t looked at.

“I never saw it at the time but when I got to my phone, I had about 10 messages. My analyst showed the replay to me and I thought it was.”

Motherwell manager Stuart Kettlewell felt his side were fortunate to escape with a point.

Asked whether it was an uncomfortable watch, Kettlewell replied: “It was in many ways. If I’m brutally honest, Kilmarnock were the better side, created the better chances and had better control in the game.

“I felt that we never got started and we let them come onto us. They got too many balls into our box and we relied on our goalkeeper too much tonight.

“He was sensational and you need that in the league but we’ve played a lot better and lost this season. It was our second clean sheet on the bounce and we are only three points off third.”