Ross McDonagh hit a hat-trick as East Kilbride YM came from behind to beat Cambria and stay second in the Caledonian Premier League.
Graeme Robertson’s side were 2-1 down at Kirktonholme but rallied to win 5-2 and remain four points adrift of leaders Dumbarton Academy FPs, who have a game in hand.
This match started at a frantic pace with both teams threatening. YM’s Cammy McCulloch saw his thundering drive rebound off the upright after a splendid team move, and then Ciaran Hughes brought out a wonderful save from Cambria keeper Mowat, who leapt high to his right to divert the net bound free kick over the bar.
At the other end, YM keeper Fraser Campbell had to make two smart saves to keep the match level.
Approaching the half hour mark, YM broke the deadlock. McDonagh raced on to a through ball from Jordan Fletcher and when he rounded the keeper, he angled a shot into the empty net.
Cambria responded in controversial circumstances. YM full back Ryan Kelly partially blocked a shot at goal which allowed keeper Campbell to collect the ball. The referee deemed that a pass back and awarded a free kick outside the six yard box from which Cambria scored.
Worse was to follow though, as Cambria scored again in their next attack to take the lead.
Shaken by this setback YM took some time to re-organise but just on the half time whistle McDonagh had them back on level terms, netting from McCulloch’s through ball.
Ten minutes into the second half and YM were back in front as McDonagh fired in his hat-trick goal after a good counter attacking run from James Cameron.
McCulloch then headed Craig Tocher’s corner kick into the net to put YM 4-2 in front and before the end Geo Paton added a fifth goal to seal victory.
This Saturday YM travel to play St. Mungo at Lorretto, Bishopbriggs, kick off 2pm.
Meanwhile, YM’s GGPL side ran out 4-0 winners at Rhu with goals from Matt Haggerty, Kyle Rankin, Josh Cairns and Ben Alston, taking their goals tally to 102 for the season so far. The sides meet again this Saturday at Kirktonholme, kick-off 2pm.
Finally, YM 35s defeated Kilbowie Thistle 35s 5-2 on Friday evening with a David Winters double, plus strikes from Willie Holmes, James Edwards and Scott Graham.
Follow Lanarkshire Live Sport on Twitter via @LanLiveSport, like us on Facebook or find us on Instagram for the latest sports news, pictures and video.
