East Kilbride caretaker boss Chris Aitken heaped praise on striker Craig Malcolm after his 50th goal for the club in the Lowland League helped them to a third win on the spin.
The pair played together at Stranraer a few years ago before Gardenhall ace Malcolm made the move to his hometown team, so it’s no surprise to Aitken to see the forward enjoy a prolific spell at K-Park over a period of three-and-a-half years.
Malcolm netted Kilby’s second goal in a 3-2 win away to Berwick Rangers on Saturday, off the back of a double in a 7-1 victory at Vale of Leithen last midweek and the only goal in a 1-0 triumph over Bo’ness United the previous week.
And Aitken said: “I’m delighted for him to get his 50th goal for us in the Lowland League.
“I’ve known Malky now for the last 10 years and, when I was still playing, we played together at Stranraer and Malky’s never changed.
“The reason Malky is still playing and scoring goals is because his effort and endeavour, desire to come and play for training or games, his work ethic, they are all second to none.
“I’m a big believer that if you work hard, you get your rewards – and Malky gets his because he never gives up.
“His goal on Saturday came from a bad pass back, but it was still a quality finish from him.
“Hopefully there’s a few more goals to come from him this season.”
Aitken is still awaiting confirmation that he and Ian Durrant will become the club’s next permanent management team, a fortnight on from them taking the reins from Chris’ brother Stevie, who resigned on August 10.
“I’m hoping it’s done soon, he said. “I spoke to the owners again over the weekend and I’m at ease with everything.
“Hopefully we can get it done and it puts everyone else at ease and we can get on with winning more games of football.
“It was a great three points for us on Saturday and the boys dug in.
“At 3-1 we should have put the game to bed and it would have made for an easier final few minutes.
“The last few minutes didn’t help my blood pressure, but it is what it is.
“The boys stood together and ground it out and at times we’ll need to do that this season.
“The pleasing thing for me is we went to a tough away ground and took three points.
“Berwick are a good side and they’ll take points off of teams.”
After their worst-ever start to a season, EK are up to 10th in the Lowland League and head to Gala Fairydean Rovers on Saturday with an ever-improving injury list.
Aitken added: “I’m looking forward to training this week.
“I might only have one player on the treatment bench and I have to say a major thank you to our physio Jane, who has come in on her own time over the past few weeks to get players fit.
“She’s been working extremely hard and if I have another few back for Saturday, it’s all credit to her for making the squad stronger.”
Follow Lanarkshire Live Sport on Twitter via @LanLiveSport, like us on Facebook or find us on Instagram for the latest sports news, pictures and video
