East Kilbride captain relishing Buckie play-off clash

East Kilbride captain Liam Brown believes his teammates will relish the occasion, as his side prepare for one of the biggest games in the club’s history.

A pair of two legged ties against Buckie Thistle and the bottom side in League Two is all that stands between Kilby and a monumental first promotion to the SPFL.

Having wrapped up the Lowland League title with three games to spare, Brown has re-assured that his teammates will embrace the challenge ahead.

The former Queen’s Park man, said: “Winning the league was great. It was good to get it done early and really get focused and ready for the play-offs.

“When we started the league campaign off we wanted to give ourselves a chance at every piece of silverware but I think we all knew at the back of our minds the main priority was promotion and now we have that chance so we need to make sure we take it.

“We know it’s going to be hard work but that’s what we’ve based ourselves on all season. It’s exciting times for everybody involved with East Kilbride.”

East Kilbride are expected to welcome a sold-out crowd at K-Park on Saturday afternoon after their initial allocation was rapidly snapped up.

“The fans have been outstanding all season home and away”, added Brown. “This weekend will be special knowing what’s at stake and playing at home in the first leg.

“We know the crowd will be great and it’s just up to us to give them something to cheer about come Saturday.”

Standing between Mick Kennedy’s side and a play-off final is Highland League champions, Buckie Thistle. Graeme Stewart’s side claimed the title on goal difference after with a 1-0 win over Keith, to claim the title over Brechin City on a dramatic final day.

As things stand, Ian McCall’s Clyde sit bottom of League Two and would be the side to face the winner in the final.

Chris Pow, Official Catchup podcaster, said: “Buckie have had an incredible season, the run in the Scottish Cup, playing against Celtic, and obviously now winning the Highland League and reaching the Playoffs.

“They scored more and conceded less than East Kilbride over their league campaign and certainly aren’t an easy opponent.

“It makes for possibly the most interesting Playoff in recent seasons, but I’ll always back the Lowland League side to come out on top and East Kilbride should do that.”

Having built an entirely new squad from last season – with Dylan MacDonald the sole returner – East Kilbride have been understandable favourites all season. If they enter League Two, EK will be confident of their chances to kick on looking into next season.

Pow added: “We’ve obviously seen Cove and Kelty fire up the leagues in previous seasons, and Spartans still have a chance to be promoted to League 1. EK would be similar with the backing they have, both financially and from the support from the local community, which hasn’t been any stronger than this season.”

The game will be a 3pm kick-off at K-Park on April 27. The second leg will be contested on the May 4, at Victoria Park.

Callum Rattray