East Kilbride boss admits risking injured goalkeeper backfired in Hamilton Accies defeat

East Kilbride boss Mick Kennedy has revealed goalkeeper Chris Truesdale was playing through an injury during their SPFL Trust trophy exit to Hamilton Accies.

Truesdale looked uncomfortable with his kicking from the outset at K-Park and his slip in his own box during the first half gifted Accies their fourth goal of the game just before half-time.

Accies went on to run out 5-2 winners and book their place in next month's quarter-finals at Kilby's expense.

And Kennedy admitted he took a risk in playing Truesdale, which ultimately didn't work out for his Lowland League leaders.

The 43-year-old, who tasted his first defeat as Kilby boss after a 17-game unbeaten streak, said: "Chris' ankle was bad. He had a real issue with it.

"He sprained his ankle against Berwick last week and we had to bring him off. We had to put a strap on it today to get him through.

"He is good with the ball at his feet and because we like to build from the back, we felt it was a risk worth taking today.

"He slipped and gave away the fourth goal, but there was an issue with his ankle.

"Look, that defeat is not on Chris' shoudlers when you actually break the other four goals down.

"The first goal comes from us having possession at the top end of the pitch, then we get caught and turned over.

"The second goal is from a simple five-yard pass we give away and get caught again, so we know there's things we can do better."

Kilby had stunned other League One sides earlier in the competition, knocking out Stirling Albion and Edinburgh City to reach the fourth round stage.

Their journey has come to an end but Kennedy knows the Lowland League is their focus this term and they quickly get back to business on Wednesday night a home to Linlithgow Rose.

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