Kilby hit nine in a cup demolition show
Vale opened first but that signalled the deluge
Hat-trick hero 290916ekfc_03 After Saturday’s win Kilby have now gone 1,890 minutes (31.5 hours) without losing or drawing a game under Martin Lauchlan lost a goal to a corner, which I wasn’t happy about.
“It’s only the second time we’ve gone behind this season (they conceded the opener in last week’s South Challenge Cup win over Civil Service Strollers), but the boys were sensational the way they came back.
“To score nine is fantastic and we are delighted to be in the next round.
“People will sit up and take notice of East Kilbride after a result like this.”
Steven Lynch gave Vale a shock lead after 13 minutes when he headed home at the back post, but that was probably the worst thing the visitors could have done to the Lowland League leaders.
Lauchlan added: “It’s a Scottish Cup tie so we were definitely up for the game, I just think we were a bit slow to start.
“We never took Vale lightly or anything, but them scoring early just woke us up and gave us the wee jolt we needed.
“We are still a new team and normally when you put 11 new signings together it takes a bit of time for them to gel, but we have started really well and keep winning games.”
Victoria sparked the Kilby comeback, scoring just two minutes after Lynch had broken the deadlock, and then it rained goals at K-Park with the hosts scoring another five times before half-time.
Winters teed-up Capuano in 22 minutes to fire EK ahead with a low strike from the edge of the box before the veteran striker then scored himself, converting from the penalty spot 11 minutes later after Victoria had been felled in the box.
Victoria grabbed his second in 38 minutes after some shocking defending allowed him nip in and make it 4-1. In first half stoppage time Victoria completed his hat-trick with a low strike and Winters glanced a header into the net before the break to give Kilby an unassailable 6-1 lead.
Strachan grabbed his first of the day in 53 minutes after great work from Victoria before Declan Hughes powered home a header from Martin McBride’s free-kick after 71 minutes to notch the ninth goal of the game.
Strachan completed the scoring 13 minutes from time with a fine goal, starting the move off in his own half before running on to Winters’ inchperfect through ball and keeping his composure to slot the ball into the corner.
With EK now gunning for 22 straight wins, Lauchlan said: “The run is down to the players.
“I get the record for the 21 games, but without the buy-in, the desire and belief from the players we wouldn’t be on this run.
“The record is brilliant, but we will still keep taking it one game at a time because it’s served us so well.”
Victories Kilby have now recorded in the Scottish Cup. Their first was a 1-0 winoverLothianThistleHV
Age of East Kilbride striker Robbie Winters who scored twice against Vale
Different goal scorers for East Kilbride in all competitions so far this season
Goals Joao Victoria has scored in three Scottish Cup appearances for Kilby
Clean sheets East Kilbride have kept in their 10 Scottish Cup appearances Goals Kilby have scored in 11 competitive matches so far this season
Consecutive wins East Kilbride have now recorded under boss Martin Lauchlan