EK give Airdrie a real test

Airdrieonians U20s ........ 3 East Kilbride U20s .......... 1

East Kilbride Under-20’s put in a spirited showing to push SPFL West Development League leaders Airdrie all the way last week.

The Kilby kids may have gone down 3-1, but they took the lead at the Excelsior and gave as good as they got.

Conor Bell grabbed an early opener for EK before the home side hit back to lead at the break. The Diamonds added a late goal to claim all three points.

Kilby took the lead after eight minutes when ex-Airdrie man Bell volleyed home from 20-yards.

Liam Craig almost made it 2-0 when his free-kick forced a fine save from Airdrie keeper Kerr.

DespiteEK’s early dominance, the Airdrie side – boasting several experienced first team players – equalised on the half hour. A cross into the box struck Edin Lynch and deflected past Kieran Bell to make it 1-1 in cruel circumstances.

Just as EK looked to have weathered a storm to go in level at the break, first team ace Ryan Conroy found the top corner from 25-yards for 2-1.

Kilby were forced into a couple of half-time changes, with Martin Beattie and Jordan Herron taking the field.

But Airdrie clinched it 10 minutes from time when Robbie Leighton volleyed home from a Conroy corner.

Kilby sub Kieran McGuire almost drew his team back into the game five minutes from time, but his shot was brilliantly saved by Kerr.

Airdire’s win keeps them on course for the title, but EK drew huge positives as seven players from the U18 team featured in the youngest U20 side the K-Park outfit have ever fielded.