Kilby kids ease past Diamonds in cup tie
020917ekfc_09 East Kilbride FC U20s produced a fantastic performance to defeat Airdrie 4-1 in the Scottish Youth Cup at K-Park on Sunday.
New signing Jay McInally hit a memorable hat-trick, with skipper Liam Craig also on target as EK set up a second round tie at Whitehill Welfare.
With little between the sides in the opening stages, Kilby took the lead in the 18th minute when McInally ran on to a Craig through balland showed great composure to finish low into the net.
Airdrie equalised in the 55th minute when Cammy Russell fired a stunning strike past Craig Melrose from a Scott Thomson cross.
The setback appeared to act as a catalyst for Kilby who roared back into the game, retaking the lead within five minutes. McInally again burst through the visitors defence, finding the net with a deft finish.
Now well on top, EK pushed for the decisive third goal, which arrived on 70 minutes.
And it was McInally who claimed it to complete a stunning hat-trick, rising highest to glance home a header from an excellent Morgan Smith delivery.
In a last push, Airdrie threw everything into attack and they were killed off 10 minutes from time when Smith’s cross found Craig and he slammed home from 10 yards.
The impressive display against full-time opposition sets up a round two trip to Edinburgh against Whitehill Welfare who had their own memorable win on Sunday, beating SPFL League 2 side Cowdenbeath.
The match is scheduled for Sunday, October 1.