Rory McKenzie praised Kilmarnock's character after they secured a hard-fought point away to Aberdeen on Saturday. The goalless draw at Pittodrie gave Neil McCann's side their first Premiership point of the 2026-27 campaign, halting a run of four consecutive league defeats.
How did Kilmarnock stop the rot?
The clean sheet represented a significant defensive improvement for a team that had conceded 14 goals during that four-match losing sequence. Speaking to the BBC after the game, midfielder Rory McKenzie highlighted the collective effort. "I think we showed quite a bit of character," he said. The result lifts Kilmarnock off the foot of the table, though they remain in 12th position with just one point from their opening five matches. Their record stands at zero wins, one draw, and four losses, with a recent form line reading DLLLL.
What did Rory McKenzie say about the performance?
McKenzie, a long-serving figure at Rugby Park, provided an honest assessment. He acknowledged that the team's away form in recent seasons has fallen short of the required standard. While pleased with the resilience shown, the midfielder also felt opportunities to claim all three points were missed. "It doesn't feel great just now but I think over the next few days it can hopefully kick-start the season," McKenzie added. His comments reflect a belief that this result, while not spectacular, provides a foundation to build upon after a torrid opening period.
Where does this leave Kilmarnock in the league?
The single point leaves a significant gap to the summit of the Scottish Premiership. Kilmarnock now trail leaders Celtic by 14 points, a stark illustration of the early-season challenge. Their overall goal difference of -10, stemming from four goals scored and 14 conceded, shows the defensive issues that the clean sheet at Pittodrie began to address. Manager Neil McCann will be looking for this defensive solidity to become a consistent feature as his team seeks to climb the standings.
What is next for Neil McCann's team?
Attention now turns to a formidable challenge after the international break. Kilmarnock's next fixture is a home match against Rangers on Boxing Day, December 26th. Rangers currently sit 4th in the table, presenting another tough test for McCann's squad. Preparing for that encounter will be the focus, with the manager likely to drill the defensive organisation that proved effective in Aberdeen. Fans can track the team's preparation and the full schedule on the club's fixtures page. The Boxing Day clash at Rugby Park is set for 2026-12-26.
