East Kilbride captain Cami Elliott returned from a hamstring injury to score twice from the penalty spot, helping his side to a 3-0 win over Cove Rangers that keeps them unbeaten in League One.
Returning skipper makes the difference
Mick Kennedy admitted that having Elliott back fit made all the difference as his side cruised to victory. The striker had missed the opening two league games with a hamstring issue, but he returned to bag a double from the spot before Rangers loanee Alexander Smith sealed the win with a late finish.
The League Two champions had to be patient against Paul Hartley's men, who sat in and kept Kilby at bay for almost an hour. Rhys Armstrong was brought down in the box after 56 minutes, and Elliott stepped up to score. He repeated the feat nine minutes later when Joao Balde was felled by Max Berry.
Late red card and sealing goal
Cove were reduced to 10 men with three minutes remaining when Arron Darge saw red for a crunching tackle on Armstrong. In the 90th minute, Smith scored from Elliott's pass at a short corner, swivelling and shooting into the bottom left corner past Cove keeper Robbie Mutch.
Kennedy told Lanarkshire Live Sport: "We've really missed that focal point over the last few weeks and that's what Cami gives us. He makes such a difference being in the team, running the channels, giving you a different option and also his goal threat as a number nine."
Dominant display and patient approach
"We were so dominant today, we were outstanding and had a lot of control of the game. We created a number of opportunities and it was a really strong performance."
"It's been very evident in the first few games we have played this season that teams are going to sit in and try to frustrate us. That's what Cove tried to do today and we had to be patient, wear them down and not give away opportunities."
"We should have gone in a couple of goals up at half-time. But we just knew with the endeavour we were putting into the game, the goals would come to fruition eventually."
Kennedy also praised Smith: "I'm delighted for Alex as well. He did really well when he came on. He had a great first touch from a short corner and then it is a great spin and finish from him so he was excellent."
Injury concern and league position
"All the boys were excellent and it was a good day. The only thing is Owen Moffat has picked up a bit of an issue with his glute so we will need to analyse that. It looked like a spasm so we'll need to take a look at that but hopefully it is nothing too serious."
Kilby are up to second spot, two points behind leaders and South Lanarkshire rivals Hamilton Accies. Accies battered Airdrie 4-0 at New Douglas Park to lead the way on nine points, with 10 goals scored and none conceded.
Kennedy, whose side were held to a 1-1 draw by Airdrie last week, added: "The fact is, that is us played three full-time teams and we have picked up seven points in our first season at this level. We have started really well and we hope that continues at Montrose next week."
