Athletic’s unbeaten run ends

ANNAN Athletic’s eight game League Two unbeaten run came to an end at Galabank last Saturday afternoon, as they suffered a 4-2 defeat to East Kilbride.

The hosts made a dream start to the contest when, on three minutes, a long throw into the box was not properly dealt with and Paul Smith nodded home at the back post.

Three minutes later Paul Smith was the danger-man again. He curled a teasing ball into the box, but Tommy Muir could not apply the finishing touch.

On ten minutes EK had their first real chance as striker Cami Elliott attempted to chip Charlie Albinson. The ball fell wide but Elliott ended up colliding with Scott Hooper on the follow through and unfortunately had to be stretchered off.

Shortly after play restarted Paul Smith should have added a second to Annan’s tally.

The long throw was flicked on and, from six yards, the midfielder blazed his volley over, with the goal gaping.

Athletic were made to pay seconds later as EK broke up the park and equalised.

Bobby McLuckie played the ball across to allow sub striker Connor Young the easiest of finishes.

The visitors were slowly growing into the game and they overturned the scoreline on 37 minutes.

A great passing move ended with John Robertson brilliantly curling the ball home first-time from just inside the box.

Minutes later it was 3-1. Robertson turned provider as he found João Baldé with an exquisite through ball that cut through the middle of the Athletic midfield.

Attacking midfielder Baldé had all the time in the world to pick his spot, and he made no mistake.

Early in the second half Tommy Muir came close with a header, as Annan looked to fight back.

However, EK continued to look dangerous on the break. Connor Young tested Albinson before Kerr Robertson volleyed over.

Eventually Annan pulled one back on 69 minutes through substitute striker Joel Mumbongo.

He rolled his man superbly on the edge of the box, sidestepped the defender and slotted home.

The host’s tails were up. Four minutes later they almost levelled.

From a corner Tommy Muir’s header hit the crossbar before Scott Hooper’s tried to stab the ball home, only for it to be cleared off the line.

Minutes later the visitors broke quickly and Albinson wiped out Baldé just outside his box.

Athletic’s hopes of getting something from the game received a hammer blow as the keeper was shown a straight red card.

Subs stopper Gio Clarke was straight into the action as he gathered the free kick.

He made another good save minutes later to deny John Robertson.

It was a bridge too far, however, on 85 minutes when Connor Young swept home McCluckie’s cross to make it 4-2.