East Kilbride vs Caledonian Braves

Caledonian Braves FC made the short journey over to K Park to take on the reigning Lowland League Champions East Kilbride.

The Braves started the game brightly and created numerous chances early on. Former EK forward Ross McNeil came back to haunt his old employers as he went close on several occasions in the first half forcing great saves from Alan Martin in the home goal.

After some fantastic passing play Neil McLaughlin lobbed through ball fell into the path of McNeil but the forward couldn’t keep his effort from rising over the crossbar.

East Kilbride came close to opening scoring but for debutant Nicky Hogarth with a tremendous save. The on-loan Rangers keeper flew to his right hand side as he gathered the audacious strike from distance.

The weather took its toll on the game as the tempo started to slow with the conditions. As the half came to a close McNeil weaved in and out of the EK back line before his effort the edge of the box was again saved by Martin.

The Braves got up and running straight from Kick Off in the second half. The referee awarded an early penalty after a push on Ross McNeil as he tried to sneak between the EK defenders. McNeil stepped up and slotted the ball past Martin despite slipping in his run up.

EK came straight back into the game after the opening goal. Hogarth was again there to make a great save from a dipping free kick right on the edge of the 18-yard box. The home side again came close as an effort from a wide angle beat Hogarth but cracked the opposite post.

Braves then doubled their advantage just before the hour mark. A free kick from David Sinclair around 35 yards out went straight through the crowded box and bounced into the top corner. A tremendous effort from the experienced midfielder.

The Home side eventually got themselves on to the score sheet. A quick long ball into a busy box after a corner kick was flicked on by Craig Malcolm as the ball looped over a flat footed Hogarth. The Braves were adamant the striker was offside but the officials waved away their protests.

Both sides struggled to take control of the midpoint of the half but it was the Braves who would clinch victory thanks to a left footed strike from Jean Guy Lucas was deflected past Martin.  The speedy French winger took on the oncoming defender, cut back onto his left and fired it towards the goal.

An excellent result from the Braves who have picked up nine points out 12 so far this campaign. Up next is a trip to the Indodrill Stadium, Alloa. BSC Glasgow are the hosts in what will be another tough outing for Ricky Waddell’s side.