Cup final awaits for Kilby

East Kilbride boss Billy Stark hailed young debutant Edin Lynch after he helped his side reach the East of Scotland Cup Final last Tuesday night.

Craig Malcolm’s second half strike was enough to sink Spartans as the Lowland League title rivals battled it for the right to play either Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale or Vale of Leithen in the final on Sunday, March 25.

However, Stark heaped praise on 17-year-old defender Lynch, who was handed a surprise debut after David Proctor pulled up with a calf strain in the warm-up.

He went on to play the full 90 minutes, keeping a clean sheet and earning his side a shot at silverware.

Stark said:“It was as tough as a semi-final gets, drawing your rivals at their park, so I’m delighted.

“But we also had to contend with David Proctor feeling his calf in the warm-up and dropping out the squad.

“Edin Lynch had to come in at centre back and, at 17 years old, it was a big night for him. To step into that important position at the last minute, I was delighted with how he handled it and helped us get a clean sheet.

“He did very well and that was a good experience for him.

“We know where our priorities lie, but we go into any competition hoping to win it. At the moment we don’t know who we will play or where the game will be played, but we will do all we can to get our hands on the silverware.”