Hat-trick hero Ross unsure of start spot
Ross McNeil netted a 14-minute hat-trick in East Kilbride’s final pre-season friendly — but insists he’s not guaranteed a starting slot for Saturday’s Lowland League opener against White hill Welfare.
The Kilby striker gave manager Martin Lauchlan food for thought at the weekend as he hit a first-half treble in a comprehensive win over Tynecastle.
All the goals came in the first half, with an own goal and a Sean Winter strike completing the scoring.
McNeil capitalised on three defensive errors from the visitors, who play in the East of Scotland Premier League.
But he said: “I’ll never rest on my laurels.
“As a striker, you are happy to get on the scoresheet and do your best, but just because I’ve scored a hat-trick doesn’t mean I’m guaranteed a place in the team.
“The goals all came from three bad back passes, but I’ve taken a gamble and it’s worked out.
“I don’t think I’ve ever scored a hat-trick as quick as that, but three mistakes from their defenders have helped me.”
McNeil believes he was the beneficiary of a change in tactics from Lauchlan, who opted for a 4-4-2 formation on Saturday after a couple of games playing with one striker up top.
“I had been playing up front myself in the last couple of games and that was very frustrating,” said the 24-year-old from Whitehills.
“I hadn’t scored for a couple of games as well, but the manager changed the shape for Saturday and it was good to get a few goals in before the start of the season.
“The boys are in good form and we are looking forward to the real test starting on Saturday.”
Whitehill Welfare are first up for Kilby as they begin their Lowland title challenge and McNeil insistede nothing less than three points will do.
“Every game is a must win and I always approach matches like that,” he •East said.
Kilbride season tickets are still on sale ahead of their first home game on August 6.
The club have had a great response since the public sale started on July and have already sold more than the previous two-seasons combined.
Adult season tickets are priced at £75 and concessions are £30.
The season ticket covers all 15 home Lowland League, home East of Scotland Cup and South of Scotland Challenge Cup games.
Season-ticket holders also become eligible for priority purchase of Scottish Cup matches, with Kilby set to join the competition in September.