Dunga returns to the fold but cannot inspire Jags to a much-needed win

Nov 12 2008 by Paul Thomson, East Kilbride News

EVEN the surprise return of Steven “Dunga” McClung to the East Kilbride Thistle line-up was not enough to save the Jags after they were beaten by a strong Kilbirnie side.

With six first team players again missing this week, manager Colin Mitchell was again down to the bare bones of his squad, with only three fit substitutes.

And the surprise name listed was McClung who was in the process of completing his return from Super Premier side Petershill, whom he signed for in the summer.

But even he couldn’t inspire the Jags to victory as Ladeside claimed all three points.

It took until the 16th minute for a clear shot on goal, and unfortunately for Thistle, it was an important one.

EK had needlessly given away a free kick on the right-hand edge of the area, which Liam McGuinness launched into the area.

The ball bounced between McDonald and his defenders and, with neither clearing their lines, Ladeside’s Alain Kinney was at the far post to put the home side ahead.

And in the 33rd minute, as the Jags chased an equaliser, Ross Ballantyne picked up a calf strain, forcing EK to give an unexpectedly early return to McClung.

Just on the stroke of half time, Benji Njemo (making his league debut) picked the ball up in midfield and played a defence splitting pass to find the run of Davies, but the Jags striker missed a great opportunity as he fired over.

Thistle were let off the hook early in the second-half when a long ball into the box for Kilbirnie was nodded down to Alain Kinney, but from 10 yards out, he managed to pull his shot wide when it seemed easier to hit the target.

Thistle then broke down the left wing through Barry Russell, and managed to release the ball to Cunning before he was upended. Cunning took a quick free kick and found the head of Orr, but the midfielder could only nod over from six yards out.

Thistle had valid claims for a penalty on 70 minutes, when Darren Moore was hauled down in the area.

But with the loose ball running to Gareth Davies, the referee mysteriously played advantage, which allowed the nearside linesman to rule Davies offside.

Play was not brought back for the penalty claim, and the frustration started to show for the Jags.

Ladeside’s Alain Kinney had a gilt-edged chance on 73 minutes when he broke through the Thistle defence, and found himself one-on-one with Brian McDonald, but the Jags stopper stuck out a leg to save his strike.

Despite Thistle's efforts to pull level, Kilbirnie were always dangerous going forward and they doubled their lead on 83 minutes. Davidson found space on the left for a low cross which McDonald could only palm out to Stevie Miller and the Kilbirnie striker made no mistake from six yards.

Straight from the re-start, Thistle’s Gareth Davies tried the spectacular with a shot from the half way line, but although the ball was heading towards the top corner, McCann managed to get back to his goal and catch.

The Jags were offered a late lifeline in the 84th minute after some good interplay between Orr and Paul Woods on the edge of the area, resulted in Woods nudging the ball home.

Thistle chased the equaliser in the dying moments, but hosts held out for the victory.

Next up for Thistle are Clydebank at the Showpark on Saturday and, with a healthy travelling support expected, Thistle will be fielding 22 mascots from their youth development. Kick-off is 2pm.