East Kilbride cruise past Caledonian Braves to remain top of the Lowland League

East Kilbride extend their lead at the top of the Lowland League after firing four goals past an uninspiring Caledonian Braves defence during a freezing cold night at K-Park.

EK couldn’t have had a better start to the game after taking the lead in the first minute. Former Patrick Thistle talisman Chris Erskine was left unmarked in the box and he powerfully placed his shot into the bottom right corner to give East Kilbride an early lead.

The early goal set a tone for the first half as both teams produced an exciting end to end game with numerous chances. East Kilbride nearly doubled their advantage minutes later; a long ball from Armstrong was met by Woods who skillfully beat the defender, but his shot cracked off the post.

Caledonian Braves stunned East Kilbride minutes later; a long ball was misjudged by Ricky Miller and allowed former Kilby striker Ross McNeil to race through and slot his strike past the keeper for his first goal of the season.

The Braves could’ve taken the lead one minute later. Another long ball was poorly dealt with, but Ross Smith’s volley failed to trouble the goalkeeper.

East Kilbride regained the lead in the 29th minute. Lewis Kidd skillfully beat his man before setting up captain Paul Paton who fired his shot into the bottom left corner to put the Kilby back in control of the game.

Five minutes before half time, East Kilbride added a third. A whipped in corner from Lewis Kidd fell kindly to Craig Malcolm at the back post and the striker made no mistake from close range.

The late first half goal clearly ended any Braves comeback as the opening phase of the second half was uninspiring, with both teams failing to create a chance on goal.

With fifteen minutes remaining, the Braves had their best chance of the game. Gavin Lachlan was left unmarked and one on one with the keeper, but McGinley made an incredible save to keep the score at 3-1.

In the final ten minutes, East Kilbride added a fourth to seal the game and ensured the three points. Man of the Match Paul Paton created space on the right before setting up Darren Smith who coolly finished his strike and the game maintaining East Kilbride’s lead at the top of the table.

East Kilbride continue their unbeaten run before their top of the table encounter with Bonnyrigg Rose this weekend. Meanwhile the Braves are now without a win in their last four games, conceding 15 in the process. They will travel to struggling Cumbernauld Colts next Saturday.