EK kids run Hibs close

East Kilbride’s under-20s pushed Hibs to the limit as the full-time SPFL side claimed their place in the last 16 of the SFA Youth Cup at the expense of Kilby on Thursday night.

Jamie Gullan gave the Hibees a 26th-minute lead at Easter Road but Jay McInally levelled for the visitors just before half-time.

However, a 61st-minute strike by Gullan gave the home side a narrow win on a night EK took many plaudits.

A confident opening spell saw Kilby pass the ball well but they fell behind on 26 minutes when a disputed free-kick was awarded 25 yards out and Gullan dispatched past Kieran Bell.

The Kilby kids roared back and Morgan Smith saw a fierce 25-yard drive clip the post on the half-hour.

Just as it looked like the home side would take a one-goal lead into the break, some fine EK pressing saw Gavin Millar force an error from Hibs keeper Dabrowski, allowing McInally to net from 18 yards and level the score.

East Kilbride started the second half brightly as Blair Kidd’s free-kick was blocked but the home side looked lively and regained the lead just after the hour mark.

EK failed to clear a header which had hit the crossbar and Gullan fired a low shot into the net to restore the Edinburgh side’s lead.

Undeterred by the set-back, EK chased the game with Gavin Millar coming close to an equaliser on 73 minutes but his low shot after a fine run slid just wide of the post.

EK couldn’t find a way through and the home side were happy to keep the ball in the corners in the last few minutes to secure a spot in round four.

However, East Kilbride’s young guns exit the competition with many new admirers and a growing reputation.