Rolls Royce East Kilbride 3 - 4 Third Lanark Sat 15th March 2008
Thirds battled to a fine victory and a deserved three points over second top Rolls Royce E.K. in Calderwood. It was sweet revenge for the Hi-Hi who had taken a deserved 7-0 trouncing at the hands of the high-flying East Kilbride boys earlier in the season.
In blustery conditions, Thirds managed to squander an early penalty as top Chris Mulligan saw his spot kick saved low to his right by the RREK keeper. RREK then dominated the remainder of the first half and scored twice in quick succession, with both goals being easy lobs over stranded Thirds keeper Coyle.
With the second half, the Thirds had the strong wind behind them and set about using it to their advantage. In the 50th minute Mulligan scored a sweet half- volley from just inside the box. Moments later Jordan crossed from the bye line and a trialist levelled the scoring with a well placed header. The conditions were playing havoc with the RREK defence and the third goal for the Thirds came from Devaney who latched on to a headed pass to leave the RREK keeper stranded with a deft chip.
Thirds again failed to kill off the match and with ten minutes RREK scored against the run of play. A routine free kick was lofted into the box where the RREK no.7 smashed his header high into the top of the net. Within moments though Thirds had nicked themselves back into the lead with Mulligan again popping up in the right place to drive home a loose ball from 12 yards out.
With five minutes to go RREK piled on the pressure as they desperately sought to find an equaliser. On four occasions in the final few minutes RREK had opened up the Thirds defence but two chances were well saved by Coyle while the other two opportunities were sent high and wide over the bar.
Thirds are up next away v Moorpark on Sat 29th March.
