WATCH: Deveronvale go down fighting in Scottish Cup clash with Lowland League East Kilbride at Princess Royal Park
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Battling Deveronvale’s Scottish Cup hopes were ended by Lowland League title chasers East Kilbride in Banff on Saturday - see YouTube highlights below.
Of all the Highland League clubs, Vale landed one of the toughest draws against a Kilby side boasting several former SPFL players and bossed by ex-Stirling Albion manager Kevin Rutkiewicz.
Vale put up a strong challenge throughout the contest but were punished for slack defending at crucial times in a 4-2 defeat against a team which played the last 20 minutes with ten men.
Kilby got off to a flying start when a hesitant Vale allowed Joao Victoria to progress and slip a pass to Cammy Elliott, who finished well from the edge of the box.
The home side survived any further first half damage and grew in confidence, levelling the scores eight minutes before the break.
Max Stewart’s free kick struck the ball and bounced up, with Vale captain Innes McKay beating the keeper in the air to nod home.
Deveronvale had chances to go in front with Matty Jamieson and Sam Bashua going close at the start of the second half.
However, Vale allowed Reece McGuire too much space on the hour to weave into the box and set up a shooting chance for Ronan Hughes to drive the away side back in front.
Kilby then had Logan Dunachie sent off for a second booking with 20 minutes left, giving Vale the opportunity to chase an equaliser with an extra man.
They were stung when a long ball released McGuire, who held off several challenges to slip home Kilby’s third in the last 10 minutes.
Vale were awarded a penalty for a jersey tug on McKay and Dane Ballard converted to give the home fans some hope.
Jamieson had a late shot blocked, before Kilby broke in stoppage time and Elliott set up McGuire for his second of the day to end Vale’s interest in the cup.
