Battling Thistle run out of steam
Campbell happy as Jags put up a fight
Billy Campbell admits Thorniewood United’s fitness was the difference as his East Kilbride Thistle side narrowly lost in Saturday’s friendly.
After last week’s thrilling 5-3 win over Stranraer Under-20s, the Jags went into their second match of the pre-season campaign in confident mood.
And they more than matched their opponents, who play a league above them in Central District First Division, before Shane Jackson’s second-half strike won it for the hosts.
Thorniewood have played a game more than Thistle so far and Campbell told the News: “Thorniewood have a few games under their belts and you could see that was the difference in the end.
“I’m relatively happy with the performance.
“We had the better of the first half and Thorniewood were stronger in the second half, so it was a really even game.
“It’s only our second game of pre-season, so that’s why we struggled for the last 20 minutes.
“I watched some video of the game on Sunday and it’s a couple of defensive errors from ourselves that lead to their goal, so that’s disappointing.
“When you make mistakes, you expect a team of Thorniewood’s quality to capitalise on that.
“But the attitude and application from the boys was great, so I’m pleased with that aspect of it.”
The Jags made a number of changes from last week with Ross Gillen, Scott Edgar and Willie Hastings all handed their starting debuts.
On the half hour, Liam McLaughlin couldn’t quite get a foot on the ball as Adam Boyle’s tantaslising ball across goal came to nothing, while Hastings headed wide from Aaron Connolly’s cross.
Just before the break, Thistle almost took the lead, but Connolly’s thumping volley cannoned back off the crossbar.
Two minutes after the restart, Thistle fell behind.
Darren Bowie fired at goal but the shot was too hot to handle for Jags keeper Chris Treacy and Jackson pounced to slot home the rebound.
United almost added a second goal late on when a mistake from Colgan allowed Law to the chance to strike, but his effort flew wide of the post.
“It’s all about building our match fitness at this stage and we are looking forward to a big test against Tranent.”
The Jags host Tranent on Saturday. Kickoff at the Showpark is 2.30pm.