Young team on fire

Whitehill U20s ...0 East Kilb U20s .... 4

East Kilbride U20s secured their place in the third round of the SFA U-20 Youth Cup after a commanding 4-0 win over Whitehill Welfare at Rosewell on Sunday.

A Jay McInally goal gave EK the edge at half-time before a Liam Craig penalty and Gavin Millar’s brace sealed it.

Millar almost gave EK a first-minute lead, but shot just wide, as the visitors dominated the early stages.

Kilby did eventually take the lead midway through the first half when Lewis Doherty’s fine pass found McInally, who fought his way through the Welfare defence before finding a deadly finish past Jardine.

Both Blair Kidd and Millar were denied by fine goalkeeping from Jardine, whose heroics kept Welfare in the match before the break.

Kilby faced a second half against a strong wind, but made light of the elements in the 46th minute when Millar’s mazy run in the box was ended by a Corey Robertson foul. Skipper Craig made no mistake from the spot, slamming home to make it 2-0.

The third arrived in the 73rd minute. Millar weaved his way inside the box and found the corner of the net with a low left-foot shot. The Kilby winger then capped a fine display three minutes later, finding the corner of the net again with another left-footed shot from 18-yards to make it 4-0.

He was immediately replaced off the bench by 16-year-old debutant Dylan Collins, promoted from EK’s U17 side. Collins almost made an immediate impact. He found space for a strike but his fine drive was brilliantly saved by Jardine in the Whitehill goal.

The victory was a welcome boost for the Kilby youngsters after a disappointing 4-0 defeat to an experienced Airdrie side in the SPFL West Development League last Tuesday night.

The draw for round three of the SFA Youth Cup will take place this week, with all remaining SPFL Premiership U20 sides joining the competition.