Chris Aitken says East Kilbride’s 7-0 win over Caledonian Braves was harder than it looked as a battle with Rangers ‘B’ is relished.
Kilby head into this Saturday’s match with the young Gers side off the back of a convincing Lowland League victory over their Lanarkshire rivals.
Cammy Elliot netted a hat-trick while Joao Victoria notched a double. Ryan Blair and Daniel McManus also got in on the act during a terrific day for EK.
It moves Aitken’s side two points off fourth-placed Spartans, East Kilbride maintaining a game advantage. They could also close the gap on Rangers in second to three points with a Lowland League win at K-Park this weekend.
Boss Aitken said of the victory against Braves: “Credit to our guys, we made it look a lot easier than it actually was. We played really well and it was a really good day at the office. Everyone – including the subs – was at it.
“That’s the sort of stuff that can happen and I hammer this home to them, that when they play like that, it’s hard for them to be caught.
“It was a good day. What’s happened has happened and we can’t change that.
“It’s about what we do now and we have now won multiple games on the bounce. I can’t ask much more of the guys as they are giving me everything.”
A bumper crowd is expected in South Lanarkshire when Rangers come to town. A slow start to the season has them 13 points behind league leaders Bonnyrigg Rose, but East Kilbride have won 10 of their last 11 games in all competitions.
They have already faced big tests this season, playing Partick in pre-season and fellow Championship side Kilmarnock in the Premier Sports Cup.
Now Aitken says his players are keen to succeed in another big game, as competition for places runs high.
He added: “We are all looking forward to it. The guys loved it when Kilmarnock came to us in the League Cup and Partick came for a pre-season friendly.
“The guys fed off that. It’s an opportunity to go and show how good they are. I have a headache over everybody being fit but it’s a good one to have. These guys have got to keep performing in training and then their opportunity will come.”
Ticket are £8 for adults and £5 for concessions (over-65 and U-16). Booking details can be found online at ekfc.co.uk.
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