EAST KILBRIDE YM...............................2 THORN ATHLETIC.................................4

Comeback kingsThorn keep the title bid on track

Thorn Athletic bravely fought back from two goals down to secure a convincing win over East Kilbride YM and get their Caledonian Premier League campaign back on track.

The Johnstone side fell behind in the first minute after a long throw-in was headed home by David Cameron to stun the visitors.

Despite that Thorn were playing some good stuff and wasted several opportunities to level before being shocked by an EKYM counter- attack finished off nicely by Craig Tocher.

However, Thorn responded almost immediately as Dylan Blair converted a header from skipper Ryan Crawford after 35 minutes.

It was a case of four seasons in one day at Kirktonholme Park as a hail shower had the crowd digging out the umbrellas .

With four minutes to the interval defender Martin McInnes drew the sides level as he converted a perfect cross from Mickey Wilson.

Soon after, Wilson also tested the home keeper with a free-kick that bounced right in front of him but the stopper somehow managed to scoop it over the bar.

The balance of the match had shifted totally and now Thorn were on the front foot as they came out for the second half.

Right on the hour mark Thorn took the lead in emphatic fashion after Blair rolled the ball to Shaun Kelly and he sent a thunderbolt into the far corner from outside the angle of the penalty box.

Thorn management rang the changes with Dean Scott replacing Jordan Devine up front.

And with 15 minutes to go it was the sub who put the match to bed with a scuffed shot that rolled under the keeper after a pass from Ross Horne.

It was a well deserved victory for the reigning champions against a muchfancied East Kilbride YM who were promoted to the top flight after an allconquering season last time out.

Thorn manager Johnny McEwan was on holiday, with his number two Paul Young in temporary charge.

Young said: “We lost a couple of very cheap goals but we always looked the better team and thankfully the boys didn’t panic.

“We kept moving the ball and creating chances and in the end we thoroughly deserved the win.”

It’s back to Scottish Cup action this weekend for Thorn as they travel to Clydebank High School for a third round tie against Goldenhill.

Kick-off is at 2pm.