It’s a kind of magic as Kilby have final word

EAST KILBRIDE manager Kevin Rutkiewicz said it was a ‘piece of magic’ from Neil McLaughlin that booked his side a place in the League Cup Final against Bo’ness United.

McLaughlin scored both goals in their comeback 2-1 win over Broomhill and the gaffer said: “It was just a real bit of magic which got us through. He got both goals for us, one from a penalty and the other five minutes from time which was really worth seeing.”

Rutkiewicz admitted the penalty was one of those decisions that “you scratch your head over”.

He said: “I don’t think anyone of us really knows the hand-ball rule. I think it was Neillie who hit the ball which was bouncing in a wide area. He’s turned and hit it in the same motion and it’s come off the player’s hand.

“Obviously I’m delighted we got the goal but I just think there’s a massive grey area there.”

Broomhill took an early lead and Rutkiewicz added: “We just switched off and maybe got a bit carried away. I think overall, we just edged it. I’m delighted to get to the final and I keep telling the boys these things don’t come every season and the best players in the world often don’t get to win a medal.

“I’m absolutely focused on winning this cup as it would be my first cup as a manager.”

Broomhill broke the deadlock in the 32nd minute when Josh Cooper had only to tap in a cross to make it 1-0.

The lead lasted to halftime but within two minutes Kilby levelled after a handball in the box and Neil McLaughlin sent Stephen Barr the wrong way.

With five minutes left McLaughlin got his second goal with a 25-yarder.

Meanwhile, Bo’ness United made it five wins on the trot when they beat East Stirling 2-1 after Kieran Offord had put Shire ahead in the 28th minute.

A free-kick from Neil Locke in the 57th minute levelled matters and two minutes later Kieran Mitchell slotted the winner.

United’s Jamie McCormack saw red late on.