Cumbernauld Colts 1 East Kilbride 2: Debut delight for Robert Thomson with goal and assist in win

New East Kilbride signing Robert Thomson grabbed a goal and an assist on his debut to send the Lowland League leaders nine points clear at the summit.

Rivals Cumbernauld Colts had to win at Broadwood to try and claw back some ground on their Lanarkshire neighbours, but it wasn't to be for David Proctor's side, despite a spirited showing.

John Robertson's first Kilby goal on his first start gave the visitors the lead 30 minutes in, before ex-EK man Billy Mortimer headed home an equaliser just before half-time to haul Colts level.

However, Thomson - who signed from League Two Stirling Albion yesterday - opened his account with a fine header on the hour mark to land EK's first win of 2024.

It has EK - who had drawn and lost their previous two games - nine clear of second-place Hearts B and 10 points ahead of third-place Colts, who have played a game more.

Kilby boss Mick Kennedy handed a debut to new signing Robert Thomson, fresh from his arrival from League One Stirling Albion, while Robertson was promoted to the starting 11 after making his debut off the bench in last week's 0-0 draw with Caledonian Braves.

Colts had former EK goalkeeper Matt McGinley between the sticks as a trialist, following his release from Rutherglen Glencairn earlier in the season.

The first real opportunity of the game fell to the visitors after 12 minutes when an inch-perfect through ball from Dylan McDonald picked out Nathan Flanagan, and he had McGinley at full stretch to tip an attempted lob behind for a corner.

Five minutes later, a dangerous Colts free-kick on the angle of the box was drilled low towards the front post by Craig Holmes and Kilby keeper Matty Connelly was grateful to see it evade everyone on its way into his hands.

On the half