Thistle amateurs play key role in title battle
Win wrecks UB United hopes as Tynecastle triumph
East Kilbride Thistle Amateurs played a pivot al role in the destination of the Strathclyde Saturday Morning League title last week.
With the Jags already safe for another season, they played both title hopefuls Tynecastle and UB United in the space of four days – and enabled Tynecastle to lift the trophy.
Tyne castle were first up and the defending champions needed to win, then hope Thistle could do them a favour against UB, which was exactly what transpired.
Thistle fell to their heaviest defeat of the season as Tynecastle romped to a 6-1 victory. David Wilson scored the only goal on a day to forget for the League Cup winners.
However, they restored some pride on the Saturday by killing off UB’s hopes with a 3-0 victory.
UB needed a victory to be crowned champions but Thistle had other ideas as Peter Carr set the tone, breaking the deadlock early-on with his 10th goal of the season.
The second half started even brighter as two quick fire goals from Carr ensured he completed his hat-trick and put Thistle 3-0 up.
EK should have added to their tally with Thomas Tracey, Carr and Ross McSherry going close but they saw the game out to stop the league being won at the Showpark.
Gaffer Chris McColl said: “Wednesday was easily the worst performance I have ever seen from the boys.
“They downed tools and let Tynecastle walk all over them.
“On the Saturday against UB United, I challenged them to show they can compete with not only the best teams who play in our league but within amateur football.
“And to a man they stood up and showed what they can do.
“Special mentions go to Liam Sloan and Jordan Brown who were rocks at the back, stopping UB’s Kevin Fell, who recently signed a two-year deal with Stirling Albion. David Wilson was an engine in the middle of the park, too.
“I’m really pleased for Peter as well after he finished up our top goalscorer for the season with his hat-trick.”
After some impressive performances across this season, McColl added: “It’s been an unforgettable year for the boys, staying safe in the league, reaching the furthest we’ve got in the Scottish and winning the League Cup.
“It gives us great grounds to build on for next season.”