East Kilbride’s dream of playing in League Two next season ended in tears when Paul Woods missed the crucial kick in their penalty shootout defeat to Cowdenbeath.
With the SPFL play-off final tied at 0-0 after the first leg at K-Park, a strong travelling support travelled to Fife full of optimism only to return home deflated after a heartbreaking 5-3 defeat in the shootout.
This was supposed to be the Lowland champions’ day in the sun, their chance to seize the opportunity to play senior football, but it turned into a nightmare at a sodden Central Park.
Kieran Gibbons cancelled out Fraser Mullen’s early opener for the Blue Brazil during the 90 minutes and when extra time couldn’t separate the sides, it came down to penalties to determine who would play in League Two.
Woods saw his penalty saved by Cowdenbeath keeper Jamie Sneddon in the third round of kicks and that proved the difference.
As Liam Henderson netted the winning spot-kick for Cowden, the Kilby players sank to the ground knowing they must go through it all again next season if the dream is to become a reality.