KILMARNOCK 2 MOTHERWELL 0
Scorer: Wales (34, 51)
GARY WALES deepened the post-Hampden angst around Motherwell with two splendid finishes that maintained Kilmarnock's hopes of European qualification.
The Fir Park club were seeking closure on their defeat from Celtic in the CIS Insurance Cup, but Rugby Park has provided precious little succour for visiting sides this season.
Wales put them to the sword for another fine result in a season of outstanding overachievement by Kilmarnock, now in fifth, just three points behind Rangers and a further point adrift of Hibs in the hunt for a coveted UEFA Cup slot.
"If this takes us closer to Rangers then good, " said Jefferies. "But our priority has to be securing the top-six place."
That also remains Motherwell's prime goal, but an 84thminute red card for Abel Thermeus, their recently-signed French striker, provided a controversial footnote to the game for Terry Butcher. Stuart Dougal, the referee, ruled the motion of the substitute's head towards Frazer Wright was tantamount to a butt.
"It looked harsh, " said Butcher. "I will watch it on the video and if it warrants an appeal, then we will do so."
Kilmarnock were indebted to Alan Combe after 15 minutes when he twisted acrobatically to scoop Brian McLean's close-range header over the bar. Four minutes later, though, Combe retired injured with a groin problem to be replaced by Graeme Smith - the de rigueur moniker for keepers last night.
His namesake at the opposite end was first beaten in the 34th minute. Motherwell's defence parted as Colin Nish flicked on for Wales, who controlled deftly before finishing expertly with his left foot from the edge of the area.
The former Hearts striker decided against an operation - and resulting eight-week lay-off - to mend a broken nose sustained in training and was further rewarded for his nasal risk on 51 minutes.
Lindsay Wilson, Kilmarnock's Australian loan debutant from PSV Eindhoven, hung in a cross from the right which Smith spilled under pressure from Nish. Dougal decided there had been no infringement and Wales dispatched the bouncing ball first time, this time off his right boot.
Just as against Celtic, fortune took a dim view of Motherwell. Brian McLean had a header cleared off the line and Steven Hammell clipped a post with a fine free-kick before Scott McDonald scored a direct hit on another upright.
"It's like groundhog day after last week, " said an exasperated Butcher. "We are creating so many chances but not taking them and, hopefully, the breaks will come for us to give a team a hammering."
Kilmarnock (4-4-2) Combe (G Smith 19); Wilson (Locke 74), Ford, Wright, Hay; Invincible, Fowler, Johnston, Naismith; Wales, Nish. Subs: McDonald, Skora, Di Giacomo, Campbell, O'Leary.
Motherwell (4-4-2) G Smith; Corrigan, Craigan, McLean, Hammell; McBride (O'Donnell 79), Kerr, McCormack, Foran; McDonald (McGarry 79), Hamilton (Thermeus 69). Subs: Meldrum, Fagan, D Smith, Reynolds.
Sent off Thermeus. Booked Craigan Referee S Dougal.
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