East Kilbride v Tranent

Recap

East Kilbride increased their lead at the top of the league after an impressive comeback over Tranent.

Mick Kennedy’s side visited Cowdenbeath in their previous fixture as they managed to win 2-1. Their opponents have also been in good form as they secured an away win over Gretna on Saturday.

However, it’s Tranent who have the bragging rights this season after a stunning 7-0 victory against the Kilby helped them go through to the Scottish Cup third round.

East Kilbride created the best opportunities in the opening ten minutes of the game as both John Robertson and David Ferguson aimed for a breakthrough with their chances.

Despite this, Tranent took the lead in the match after a mistake from Matthew Connolly helped Callum Higginbotham easily tap the ball into the net.

This goal also led to the dismissal of Mick Kennedy as he felt the goal should not have stood and made his feelings clear to the referee.

This opening for Tranent helped them take control of the match and create more chances, a period that East Kilbride was not able to handle.

A few minutes from half time, Tranent found their second as Robbie McIntyre was able to guide the ball into the net after a strike from his teammate struck the post.

With the away side breezing through to the break, it looked to be mission impossible for East Kilbride to bring this back.

With time running out in the second half, East Kilbride made some substitutions as they went all in to try and get back into the game. A decision which paid massively for the league leaders.

João Baldé earned his side a goal after he brilliantly dribbled past the Tranent defence and managed to slot the ball in the bottom corner.

The East Kilbride fans were feeling optimistic as the game was heading into the final few minutes.

In the 91st minute, a ball into the box found Tiwi Daramola open at the back post, leading to him heading the ball into the back of the net.

At this point, the East Kilbride fans would have been more than happy with a point. However, their side wasn’t finished yet as a minute later, Robert Thomson got on the end of a shot going wayward and tapped it into the goal.

The Kilby managed to hold on and complete an incredible comeback to win all three points.

Mick Kennedy discussed his player’s performance and how he felt his side deserved the victory.

He said: “I don’t think we were at our best in terms of possession but I actually thought we deserved to win the game.

“I felt it was it bit harsh going in 2-0 down but I was always confident that we’d come back into the game second half and that’s what we did, we won the game so I’m happy for the boys.”

In their next matches, East Kilbride and Tranent will both be at home to Edinburgh University and Hearts B respectively.

Kyle Murphy.