Malcolm reckons tie was boost for Lowland level LEAGUE IS CUP-TASTIC
Stuart Malcolm insists East Kilbride’s Scottish Cup clash with Gala Fairydean Rovers was a great advert for Lowland League foootball.
The fifth-tier sides served up an absorbing encounter in difficult conditions at K-Park with Kilby winning 1-0 thanks to Jamie Longworth’s injurytime strike.
It was a goal which booked East Kilbride a place in the fourth round of the cup where they will face Inverness Caledonian Thistle or Edinburgh City, who replay next Tuesday night.
Interim Kilby boss Malcolm admits his men were pushed all the way as they continue on the road to Hampden but feels the Lowland League has put itself firmly on the map.
He said: “It was a tough game between two committed teams.
“Gala are a good side. I know their manager Dean Shanks and he is a good coach. They have good quality and good players.
“I thought it was a great positive as a spectacle for the Lowland League.
“We were well organised but lacked a wee bit of quality in the first half.
“But I felt we dominated the game in the second half and probably created the better chances.
“We got a wee bit lucky at the end but we will take that. The good thing is we were getting at them and forcing the keeper to make saves.
“To win it with a strike in the last couple of minutes means we’re absolutely delighted.”
Reflecting on the fourth-round draw, Malcolm added: “Whoever comes through that tie successfully, we know it will be a difficult game.
“We played Edinburgh up here earlier in the season in the Irn-Bru Cup and they beat us 3-2. They are a good side but obviously we’ve not seen too much of Caley.
“We will be trying to win and pick up another good draw and what a story that would be.”
Boss Malcolm saluted strike star Longworth who came off the bench to grab the winner.
He said: “Jamie has played at a high level in the leagues and you know what he is about.
“He has great quality and is an unbelievable professional. He has found himself out of the team at times but his attitude is commendable.
“It’s a team game and the boys were excellent but Jamie deserved that.”
Kilby are back in Lowland League action this Saturday with Gala returning to K-Park (kick-off 3pm).
A look at the talking points after East Kilbride beat Gala Fairydean Rovers to reach the fourth round of this season’s Scottish Cup...
Supersub Longworth’s late show
There were 90 minutes 49 seconds on the clock when Jamie Longworth took aim from just outside the box and struck the shot which saw off Gala.
The 31-year-old has been a proven goalscorer throughout his career and while there is no doubt keeper Patrick Martin’s error played a major role in the ball ending up in the back of the net, Longworth showed he can still produce the goods when it matters.
Kilby find a way through
Gala were superb on Saturday and their hard work, effort and diligence when it came to sticking to the game plan was so nearly rewarded with a replay back at Netherdale this weekend.
The visitors managed to frustrate East Kilbride and were rarely opened up. Aerial balls into the box were cleared and shots were mainly of the long range variety.
The Borderers players sank to their knees when Longworth scored and then again at the final whistle – it was heartbreaking for them but for Kilby it was all about finding a way through.
Relief for interim boss
Stuart Malcolm, right, emerged from the home dressing room at K-Park following the final whistle with relief etched all over his face.
Club coach Craig Young gave him a huge hug and it was clear to see how much victory meant.
Will this be enough to earn Malcolm the gaffer’s job on a permanent basis? If he keeps delivering results he will make himself hard to ignore.
Still room for improvement
In the cup, it is all about winning but there were some points to pick at for those of an East Kilbride persuasion when looking ahead to the second half of their Lowland League campaign.
A lack of composure was evident during spells with that final ball or cross hurried and lacking accuracy.
There was also perhaps some room for more creativity middle to front in a bid to drag Gala out of their defensive shape, with that space exploited by the likes of Craig Malcolm and Paul Woods.
Cup opponents to play it again
East Kilbride will travel to Championship side Inverness Caledonian Thistle or League Two Edinburgh City in the fourth round.
The sides drew 1-1 at Ainslie Park on Sunday with City earning a replay when Liam Henderson cancelled out Shaun Rooney’s opener.
They will do it all again on Tuesday, December 4 up in the Highlands with Caley favourites to go through.