YMsides enjoy friendly success

East Kilbride YM earned the bragging rights after remaining unbeaten in two friendly contests with Dumbarton St Pat’s on Saturday.

A mix of YM Caley and Scottish Amateur League players showed their potential in the main contest, running out 5-2 winners against last season’s West Cup semi-finalists.

YM survived an early onslaught from the visitors and turned the tables on them after 15 minutes when James Cameron put Craig Tocher through. He twisted past a defender before driving the ball low past the keeper.

St Pat’s equalised on the half-hour mark but YM responded quickly with Cammy McCulloch winning a midfield tussle. He found James Cameron, whose tantalising ball into the box was swept into the net by Anthony Penman.

The away side thought they had equalised just before the interval when their forward produced a sublime finish, but the offside whistle had already sounded.

To add to their woes, McCulloch put YM 3-1 in front after being put through by Tocher.

In the second half, YM central defender Peter Kelsall showed great composure and finished like a striker to increase YM’s lead by scoring their fourth goal after he had set off on a mazy run from his defensive duty.

St Pat’s did pull a goal back but YM full-back Ryan Kelly volleyed home a fifth goal before the end to give his side a comfortable victory.

Meanwhile, in the other match, YM and St Pat’s Greater Glasgow sides fought out a 2-2 draw. Mike Carroll scored both YM goals.

This Saturday YM face another difficult friendly when they play Motherwell Thistle at Hamilton Palace, kick off 3pm.