EKYMclaim titlewithout kickingaball
East Kilbride YM’s Greater Glasgow Premier side claimed the league title at the weekend - without kicking a ball
The team were due to face Erskine Amateurs on Saturday as they looked to wrap up the championship, but their opponents were unable to field a team and that handed manager Graeme Robertson Jnr and his side the trophy.
It was disappointing for YM as they wanted to win the league by playing the fixture, but no agreement could be reached on a rearrangement and Erskine forfeited the match.
YM will be presented with the league trophy on Saturday after their cup tie at Kirktonholme in a match against Belleaire, although kick-off is still be confirmed.
Meanwhile, the games are coming thick and fast for YM’s Caledonian League team amid a chaotic end to the season that seems them with five games in 10 days.
After Saturday’s exertions where YM drew 1-1 with Stenhousemuir but lost on penalties, Graeme Robertson’s side faced Glasgow Harp in a President’s Cup fixture last Monday evening where they gained revenge for a recent semi final loss on penalties by recording a super 3-2 victory.
Harp were twice in front but Cammy McCulloch and Ross McDonagh equalised on both occasions before youngster Ben Alston hit a peach of a late winner with a stunning 18 yard strike.
Last Wednesday evening they sealed qualification to the semi final of the President’s Cup by thrashing Wishaw Wycombe Wanderers 7-1 at Kirktonholme.
Leading scorer McDonagh scored a hat trick in the demolition with further goals from McCulloch, Dean Murdoch, Ewan Murdoch, and Kyle Rankin.
On to Saturday and they raced into a 3-0 lead away to Giffnock North in a league match with Alston opening the scoring followed by two superb 20 yard strikes from McDonagh and Craig Fry.
Stubborn Giffnock got themselves back in the game to square the match at 3-3 but Dean Murdoch’s injury time run and cross into the penalty box caused mayhem and defender Gary McGrath managed to score the late winner from close range.
As the News went to press, YM were also due to face Eaglesham at Kirktonholme and this Saturday they face Glasgow Harp again in the President’s Cup.
Finally, last Friday evening YM Old Crocks had their annual get together, which was cancelled last January due to Covid. David Lindsay’s Reds defeated Michael Mochan’s Blues 6- 3.
Scorers for Reds were David Wade hit a hat-trick, Frank McGowan bagged a brace and Malcolm McKinnon also netted for the Reds, with the Blues scorers Scott Mowatt, Darrin Brannan and Brian McDermot.