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Neil McCann hails 'well intentioned' Kilmarnock hero as Ayr boss removes blame from on loan Hearts man McCann delighted to pick up derby day win in Premier Sports Cup Kilmarnock head coach Neil McCann admitted that progression to the next stage of the Premier Sports Cup was all that mattered after seeing his side twice come from behind to beat fierce rivals Ayr United at Rugby Park on Friday. The head coach had endured a testing start to the new season, with his Killie side shipping nine goals in their opening two league games against St Johnstone and Celtic, meaning the pressure was ramped up ahead of their clash with their derby foes. While unable to stem the tide of goals, this time it was his side who showed the character to emerge victorious from a chaotic five-goal tie as a last-minute Nicky Clescenco goal saw them claim a 3-2 win to reach the quarter-finals. “I am absolutely delighted,” said McCann. “Cup football is about getting through. I have been in a fortunate position of getting to cup finals, and nobody really cares how you get there. It’s about just progressing in cups all the time. We can play better, but what I’d like to see if that no one can say we didn’t deserve to win. We were pushing the game, and controlling the game. When you’re open and you’re pushing and trying to get your dominance over, you’re always susceptible to a counter attack. “Nicky’s finish is a touch of class, because at that stage of the game you can rush that and smash it, and then it can be blocked. But to have the ability to just lift it into the net. If you had asked the Kilmarnock fans, they’d have probably wanted a big win, but to win it in that way, there’s something nice about it for a supporter. It is certainly nice for my dressing room. “Nicky is probably going to look back and think he could have done more, because he saw a lot of the ball. But the job as a winger, I told him, I couldn’t care less if you lose it. Because your job as a winger is to try and eliminate the full-back and put balls into the box. And that’s the bit of quality we need to keep working on. His intentions are good, I know that for a fact, because that was my job as a player.” His opposite number, Gary Naysmith, tasted defeat for the first time following his appointment at Ayr United in the summer. Twice taking the lead in the game through Owen Sterton and Ross Taylor, the 47-year-old boss was left frustrated after seeing his side surrender what would have been a famous win in the final 11 minutes. The winning goal came from an error by Ayr’s goalkeeper Harry Stone, with the on-loan Hearts stopper failing to collect a deep cross after colliding with defender Kevin Holt, allowing Moldovan international Clescenco to tap in and seal a dramatic win for the hosts. “In terms of the effort and sticking to the game plan, we couldn’t have asked for anymore,” said Naysmith. “We were a little bit disappointed with the last 10 minutes. I think we can make a challenge before the boy runs 50-60 yards for the second goal, and the third goal Harry has just made a mistake. He has been absolutely outstanding for us since he’s came in. He’s made the mistake and there wasn’t enough time for us to try and get back into the game. I’m gutted.” Comments Want to join the conversation? Please or to comment on this article.