League race still red hot
Lowland title race set to go down to the wire
Kilby title battle looks set to go to the final day
East Kilbride gaffer Billy Stark admits he’s relishing their title duel with Spartans as the Lowland League looks set for a dramatic finale.
A champion will be crowned in the next few days as Kilby battle it out with Dougie Samuel’s Spartans for the silverware.
In the closest title race in the Lowland League’s five-year history, Spartans hold a one-point lead at the top of the table going into the final two games this week.
And we could see a scenario where the destination of the trophy could hang in the balance until the final moments.
On Saturday, Edinburgh-based Spartans finish up at home to East Stirling, who are on an 18-game unbeaten run and scored a last-gasp equaliser against their opponents on March 31, while Kilby will be playing Stirling University at the Falkirk Stadium.
But before all that, both sides need to negotiate tricky away trips tonight with East Kilbride facing Whitehill Welfare in a 6.30pm kick-off, while Spartans travel to Dalbeattie Star, kick-off 7.45pm.
East Kilbride must hope they win their games and Spartans slip-up, so it’s sure to be a nerve-shredding few days for both sides.
Stark said: “From the Lowland League’s point of view and the neutrals out there, it’s a tremendous situation to be in, having this kind of finish.
“I don’t know if a helicopter will be involved [to deliver the trophy] but it will be exciting to see how it all ends.
“I’m looking forward to it. There will be a nervousness but there will be excitement as well.
“Stirling will be motivated to stop us and East Stirling will be motivated to stop Spartans.
“There’s almost a perverse pleasure for these teams in stopping their rivals winning the league, so we have to be prepared for that challenge.
“There’s a real pressure on Spartans to win their games – as there is with us – but we have a big game to overcome tonight first.
“If it comes down to the last day and we win, it will be something that lives long in the memory.”