YM stay top after victory

Five-star East Kilbride YM stayed top of the Caledonian League 1B after a thumping win over Stenhousemuir Community.

For the second week runningYM won by a 5-1 scoreline to send a warning to the rest of the division.

Doubles from Mike Carrol and Cammy McCulloch, plus a late Ryan Kelly penalty ensured YM claimed the points.

With three minutes on the clock a long ball over the Stenny defence was pounced on by Craig Tocher who unselfishly laid the ball into the path of Carroll to score the opener with a low shot.

Nine minutes later Anthony Penman won an aerial duel with a defender, knocking Scott Chaplain’s free-kick into the path of McCulloch who beat the keeper from inside the six-yard box.

At this juncture Stenny looked really vulnerable but they responded well to two early substitutions, settling into the game and forcing YM to defend for long spells.

They had plenty of possession but YM held firm until the last minute of the half when Stenny scored the goal that their determined play deserved.

However, two minutes into the second half Tocher crossed low into the box for Carroll to restore the two-advantage.

Stenny’s discipline deserted them after this as Carroll was the victim of some crude tackling, resulting in YM being awarded two penalty kicks.

Keeper Thomson saved Craig Fry’s spot-kick but their joy was short lived as from the resultant corner McCulloch headed in YM’s fourth goal.

YM full back Kelly made no mistake with the second spot-kick later in the game to complete a 5-1 win.

The result ensures they stay top of the league before this weekend’s West of Scotland Cup tie at home to Tannahill Amateurs, which will take place at 1pm at Hamilton Palace on Saturday.

Meanwhile, YM’s GGPL side kept up their recent good run, defeating FC Baillieston 5-1 with Scott Campbell scoring a hat-trick with Scott and Ross Anderson also on the score sheet.

This Saturday they will play Uddingston Anvil in their West tie, which is a 3pm kick-off at Hamilton Palace.