East Kilbride 1, Albion Rovers 3: Rovers showed resilience to stun leaders in Boxing Day win, says star

Albion Rovers hero Niyah Joseph says his side showed resilience as they stunned Lowland League leaders East Kilbride with a 3-1 win at K-Park on Boxing Day.

Joseph bagged his eighth goal of the season with a first-minute rocket to get Rovers on their way.

After Ross Connellly made a terrific save to deny Calvin McGrory early in the second half, Joe Bevan doubled their lead in 66 minutes.

Barry Duncan put Sandy Clark’s side 3-0 up in 75 minutes from an indirect free-kick routine, before Nathan Flanagan pulled a goal back for Kilby.

Joseph was delighted with the win, but said the Coatbridge side had to work hard for it.

He told the club’s website: “We needed to start sharp because results recently haven’t been too flattering.

“We prepared well and it showed in the way we started the game.

“I’m delighted it was myself to score, and it helped to give us a wee footstep in the game.

“East Kilbride are top of the league for a reason, I know they way they play quite well. It’s no secret that they keep the ball very well, create a lot of chances and dominate.

“But we were resilient and took our chances when they came, and that’s how you win a game of football.”

Kilby are still top of the league by eight points over Hearts ‘B’, and with a game in hand, while Rovers moved up to 14th in the table, 27 points behind their hosts, having played three games fewer.

The sides clash at Cliftonhill on Saturday, and Joseph said: “East Kilbride at home will be a different competition but you’ve got to fancy yourself, going into it.

“If we can string a few wins together we’ll be delighted, going into the new year.”

Rovers assistant boss George Paterson echoed Joseph’s sentiments and said his side put a lot into the game.

He said: “East Kilbride