East Kilbride boss Kevin Rutkiewicz solved his striking issues with the arrival of former Kilmarnock forward Kyle Connell – then watched the “razor-sharp” youngster bag a debut double to earn a draw with Celtic B.
The 21-year-old joined Kilby last Thursday after Rutkieiwcz saw star striker Cami Elliott leave last month for full-time side Dundalk in the League of Ireland.
And Connell got off to a dream start at K-Park, netting both goals and taking home the man of the match award.
Connell broke the deadlock after just 12 minutes when he got on the end of Neil McLaughlin’s header in the box to tuck the ball away. Celtic hit back nine minutes later through a Joey Dawson strike from the edge of the box that found a way past new Kilby keeper Max Currie on his debut between the sticks.
Just before half-time, Connell struck again with a delightful chip over the Hoops goalkeeper to put EK on course for victory.
However, Ben Summers made it 2-2 when he equalised for the visitors on the hour mark and Kilby couldn’t find the winner they needed.
While a 2-2 draw wasn’t the result Rutkiewicz wanted, with his side still sixth in the table, he was thrilled to see his striker settle in so quickly.
He said: “Kyle has had a magnificent debut and it’s not just the goals, it’s the style of the goals he scored.
“It was two very different finishes but two out-and-out centre forward finishes.
“He looked razor-sharp for not having played for a few week so I was delighted with his contribution.
“But without a team supplying him, he’s not going to get anything so we need to make sure we keep supplying him and functioning at the levels we hit for most of the game on Saturday.
“Keeping that high level of intensity and consistency is something we have lacked this season during games.”
Saturday was also a big moment for East Kilbride youngsters Ross Taylor and Ally Peacock.
For development squad player Peacock, it was his first start since being recalled from his loan spell in the East of Scotland League with Sauchie.
And Rutkiewicz said: “I reserve special praise for Ross Taylor and Ally Peacock coming into the team.
“It wasn’t the easiest game to come into but they were excellent and, as young guys, they’ve got to try and maintain that standard now, and kick on.”
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