Late drama at K-Park as East Kilbride U18s progress into the next round of Scottish Cup

It was a cold but sunny morning as East Kilbride welcomed East Fife to K-Park for a Round of 16 tie that was sure to bring plenty of drama.

East Fife would get us underway and they would have the brighter start in the game and would apply pressure to the home side straight away, the pressure would pay off on 16 minutes as a free kick taken quickly that was played over the top of the East Kilbride defence found Shaun McDonald who brought the ball down brilliantly and smashed the ball past the East Kilbride keeper to give his side an early advantage in the game.

From then on, it would be East Kilbride who applied pressure to the visitors. A shot on 24 minutes was comfortably gathered by Fife Keeper Liam Bruce. East Kilbride would keep the pressure up as on 38 minutes, a free kick from 30 yards was incredibly saved by Liam Bruce, who kept his side in front as half-time approached.

That lead wouldn’t last long after that as the resulting corner from the free kick would land at the feet of Sean Gray who hit it low and hard to give his side an equaliser before the break.

The second half brought chances for both teams, but ultimately it was East Kilbride who created the better of them.

On 56 minutes, Declan McLuskey’s well-hit free kick would once again test Liam Bruce as the Fife keeper had to tip the free kick over the bar. The battle between the two would continue as just five minutes later, Declan McLuskey’s low driven shot was collected by Bruce once again.

East Kilbride kept pushing, however and in the 93rd minute, a penalty was awarded after a foul in the box was committed. It would be Jason Jeffrey to step up to send his side through to the next round. Liam Bruce went the right way but couldn’t keep it out.

East Kilbride would see it out from there as they progress to the Quarter Final of the Scottish Cup with a brilliant display from both teams that gave all in attendance an entertaining Saturday morning.

East Kilbride Player of the Match: Declan McLuskey

McLuskey dominated the midfield for the home side and also created multiple chances to put his side in front.

East Fife Player of the Match: Liam Bruce

Bruce was the one preventing McLuskey’s shots with multiple acrobatic saves from free kicks and long-range shots.

East Kilbride’s Magic Moment:

In the final minutes of the game, Jason Jeffrey fired his penalty past the East Fife goalkeeper to send his side through to the next round of the cup!

East Fife’s Magic Moment:

A quick free kick that was played over the top, controlled brilliantly and smashed into the roof of the net by Shaun McDonald was definitely East Fife’s Magic Moment!