Tomorrow the final 'Calder Derby' is set to take place at Showpark, East Kilbride. With neither of the sides in any real danger of relegation, nor hopeful of promotion, the only thing at stake in today's fixture is local pride.
The first Calder Derby of this season took place in July at the KG Stadium, in the Sectional League Cup. After a dominant first half by The Vics, they led 2 - 0 thanks to goals from Jake Hughes and Dean Harper. The second half of this fixture proved to be much more physical, and The Jags thrived in this intensity - scoring twice to take it to a penalty shoot-out. Scott Law was the hero in between the posts for Blantyre as he saved two spot kicks to earn his side an extra point in the shootout.
The Calderside rivals never met again until after New Year's and the result was much the same. Craig Tocher fed off an Ally Morgan pass to propel the visiting East Kilbride side into the lead. Con Boyle got the home-side back into the match with a header which floated over Ross Meldrum. Ten minutes later Paul Byrne regained the lead for East Kilbride at the 70 minute mark after some sloppy defensive work. 14 minutes from time Vics trialist, Dylan Falconer drew the sides level with a net right footed shot that curled past the keeper.
East Kilbride are coming into this derby tomorrow on a fantastic run of form. After a huge 3 - 0 victory at Port Glasgow three weeks ago certainly was a coupon buster as they put a huge dent in the undertakers promotion hopes. Last week they pulled off a shock 2 - 0 victory at home to Championship side Cumbernauld United in the West of Scotland Cup. After these results Steven McClung will be optimistic that his side can continue their exceptional run of form.
The Vics will however have to bounce back from a bitterly disappointing home defeat to Greenock after conceding late on in the 92nd minute.
McBookie Odds:
East Kilbride Thsitle - 13/8
Draw - 4/1
Blantyre Victoria - 5/6
