Frustrating night says gaffer after EK defeat

Caledonian Braves manager Ricky Waddell bemoaned another sloppy start as his team fell 4-1 to East Kilbride, but said he was pleased with the response in the second half.

East Kilbride took an early lead through Chris Erskine's strike after barely a minute of play, and in doing so extended their lead at the top of the table and maintained their unbeaten record in the Lowland League. Ross McNeil equalised midway through the first half before the hosts reasserted their dominance with goals from Paul Paton and Paul Woods before half time and substitute Darren Smith finishing things off late in the second period.

For the Braves, it was a third defeat in three games as they slipped to 14th in the table.

Waddell said: "I'm frustrated at the goals obviously. Frustrated at the result for sure. But I'm very pleased with the reaction at half time.

"There were a few harsh words said at half-time and I think they deserved it because they went into their shell a little bit. I can understand that in football that happens sometimes, that little bit of confidence.

"But in fairness to them in the second half I thought they worked ever so hard."

Waddell pointed out that his side created good chances in the second period as the Braves went chasing the game. East Kilbride only registered one shot on target before their fourth goal, which points to the Braves' positive approach in the second half.

Waddell said: "Gavin Lachlan had a great chance that just didn't quite fall for us, we maybe score that and it turns into a different game. David Sinclair tried to threat that wee pass through and didn't make it and we don't defend as well as we should do in the transition. And that's the tale of the game really. I can't be happy but I'll back them one hundred percent if they put in a shift like they did in the second half."

Waddell made five changes to the side that started the 3-1 loss to Jeanfield Swifts, handing a debut to on-loan keeper Kieran Hughes and welcoming back Ross McNeil to the starting XI for the first time since his injury at Bo'ness United. He said he made those changes because he wanted to see a reaction in his players.

"That's the word I wanted, a reaction. The guys need to know that I want them to play and trust them to go and play. That's what football is about it's about how you react to situations. It's a defeat but how do we react now and go prepare for Saturday's game, including myself? I'm remaining positive about the situation and we need to go and play really, really well on Saturday."