It was a fairly subdued opening half hour at K-Park with neither side really showing much attacking intent. City always carried an aerial threat with Henderson but it was strike partner Scott Shepherd who was first to catch a glimpse of Matt McGinley’s goal, shooting over after being picked out from a Craig Thomson cutback. The visitors grabbed the initiative in the 38th minute, much to the delight of their small band of supporters who had made the trip to South Lanarkshire. The Kilby rearguard were caught out by a long ball and Graham Taylor set up Danny Handling, whose perfectly-weighted pass slid in Henderson for the former Stirling Albion frontman to finish low into the bottom corner for his ninth goal of the season.
Substitute Michael Anderson’s drive from 25 yards just after the break wasn’t too far wide of Calum Antell’s right-hand post as the home side started to show a bit more purpose in the City half. Impressive link-up play between Robbie McIntyre and Taylor then had the former in on goal but his cutback was cleared by McGinley as City chased a second. However, Lowland League side Kilby found themselves deservedly back on level terms when City failed to clear a free-kick and McNeil took advantage, turning on the edge of the box to fire the ball through a ruck of players and beyond Antell. And 60 seconds later the hosts found themselves ahead as Malcolm stooped to head home at the back post. But the Capital side are a resilient group this term and McIntyre’s pinpoint cross saw Smith loop his header back across goal and into the net in a frantic ten-minute spell. And there was further joy for City just two minutes later as Calum Hall, another second-half substitute, crossed for Smith to complete a stunning comeback.
Many thanks to the Edinburgh Evening News for their report this week!
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