Amateurs reach first-ever final
East Kilbride Thistle amateurs will go for glory this week after reaching their first-ever final.
Goals from Cameron Smith, Thomas Tracey and David Wilson helped them to a 3-2 win over Manhatten in the League Cup semi-final last week and they now face fellow Premier side Windlaw in Friday’s final.
The teams had met three times before, both winning one game apiece and drawing the other, so it was no surprise that this proved to be a nervy encounter.
Thistle started the brighter and created a couple of early chances with Manhattan having their keeper to thank with two smart stops.
And the pressure paid off as Smith slotted home his fourth goal in two games to make it 1-0 to the visitors.
Moments later Steven Oates hit the crossbar and Smith spurned another good chance.
Thistle were to pay the price for these missed chances as Manhattan scored twice before the break to wrestle control of the game.
The Jags were dealt a blow when keeper Daniel Connelly was stretchered off after making a great save but dislocating his shoulder in the process.
Howver, they rallied in the second half to turn the game on its head. Manhattan finally buckled when Tracey finished smartly in the box and moments later Wilson popped up with an outstanding volley from outside the box to win it for the Jags.
Gaffer Chris McColl said:“I couldn’t be prouder of the boys, they have worked so hard in training and deserve all the plaudits. We have been playing Saturday and Wednesday for the past four weeks, but they have rolled their sleeves up and got on with it.
“In our first season in the Premiership, we are now officially safe from relegation, reached the furthest we’ve ever gotten in the Scottish Cup and now we’ve got a League Cup final to play.
“It’s been a good season and winning this would be the cherry on top.”
Friday’s final with Windlaw, held at New Tinto Park in Govan, will kick-off at 8pm.