East Kilbride YC show strong display over Stirling Albion to progress to next round of U17 Scottish Cup

It was a windy and sometimes wet morning at the Enviro-Clean Stadium in East Kilbride as East Kilbride YC U17 welcomed Stirling Albion U17 for the first round tie of the Scottish Cup Central U17.

Stirling Albion kicked off what was sure to be an entertaining cup tie, although the visitors kicked off, it was the home side who made the stronger start, with just eleven minutes gone, Ollie Paxton of East Kilbride YC fired his shot over the bar, sending an early warning sign to Stirling Albion. Only a minute later and East Kilbride YC were in again, this time Reagan Skivington rattling the post with his powerful effort.

Just before the half hour mark and Albion had their first major chance of the game with Seamus Campbell whacking the post and a reason for Albion to start looking to create more chances.

Half time arrived with the score still level at 0-0 and both sides creating chances to take the lead in the first half. 

East Kilbride YC started the second half on the strong foot but it took them to the 65th minute to have their first major chance of the half, once again it was Reagan Skivington who fired at goal but his shot was saved by Albion goalkeeper Aaron Telfer.

12 minutes after that and the deadlock was finally broken, East Kilbride debutant Luca Mackie came off the bench and fired past the Goalkeeper to give his new side the lead with just over ten minutes left to go. Mackie wasn’t done there however, with seven minutes left in the game, an East Kilbride YC player was fouled in the box and the referee pointed to the spot…

Mackie confidently stepped up and finished past Aaron Telfer to make it 2-0 and double his own tally after coming off the bench.

East Kilbride YC defended strong for the remainder of the game and sealed their place in the next round of the 2010s Scottish Youth cup Central!

East Kilbride YC Player of the match: Luca Mackie – Mackie came off the bench and scored two goals on his debut to send his side through to the next round!

Stirling Albion U17 Player of the Match: Aaron Telfer – Telfer made numerous saves throughout the game to keep his side within touching distance of East Kilbride YC.

East Kilbride YC Magic Moment: Two goals in the space of six minutes was more than enough to progress through to the next round!

Stirling Albion U17 Magic Moment: In the first half, an Albion breakaway led to a shot on goal by Seamus Campbell.