MICK: EK GOT COMPLACENT
Kilby fall to defeat to delay Lowland title win
East Kilbride boss Mick Kennedy admits his champions-elect got complacent on Saturday with the Lowland League finish line in sight.
Kilby fell to a shock 2-0 defeat at home to Bo’ness United on a day where they could have put themselves on the cusp of glory.
With rivals Tranent and Cumbernauld Colts drawing, a win for Kilby would have meant they could only be caught at the top of the table on goal difference.
But they now need four points to make absolutely sure of the title with Hearts B and Bo’ness closing the gap at the top to nine points.
East Kilbride have five games to play, while joint-second Hearts B [who can win the league but can’t be put forward for promotion as a Premiership reserve side] and Bo’ness only have four matches remaining.
This weekend EK travel to 14thplace Broomhill looking to edge closer and set up a coronation at Cliftonhill on April 2 when they travel to Albion Rovers.
And Kennedy admits his side got ahead of themselves on Saturday.
“I think we got caught up in the idea that we could have essentially won the league on the day,” said the Kilby gaffer.
“Everybody got so excited, thinking this is the day to do it, but we just have to concentrate on winning games of football then everything will take care of itself.
“I think playing Bo’ness the week before in the Lowland Cup and beating them so comfortably [3-0] didn’t help us.
“We definitely didn’t start the game with the right focus.
“It means now we need four points to win the league mathematically because Hearts could still catch us.
“If we get three points then we would be guaranteed as being in the play-offs for promotion, really, because the goal difference between us and Bo’ness is ridiculous. There’s 21 goals between us so there would need to be a massive swing.
“We need four points to put it completely to bed. If we concentrate on winning games, it will take care of itself.”
With EK playing on Sunday – due to Broomhill’s groundshare with League Two side Dumbarton – Kennedy will use the free Saturday to swot up on potential pyramid play-off opponents.
He added: “I just want to get this done now so we can start concentrating on the play-offs.
“But Saturday will give me the opportunity to watch a Highland League game with either Buckie Thistle or Brechin City.”