Tranent manager Ian Little delighted to bring Lowland League Cup home

The Belters were knocked out of the South Challenge Cup by East Kilbride last Saturday but bounced back over the weekend to lift the Lowland League Cup after a penalty shootout victory over the same opposition.

Little’s men did it the hard way in Cumbernauld, twice coming from a goal down and then twice facing defeat in the shootout before emerging victorious.

The manager said: “I think it was good to bring the trophy home but we were more disappointed from the week before.

“We could not go into this game and do the same as last week.

“That was a bigger cup because it has teams from the west and the east coast.

“We did not perform and we knew that, even though it was a bit close.

Tranent did it the hard way as they defeated East Kilbride to lift the Lowland League Cup. Image: Alan Wilson

“We knew we had let ourselves down and definitely made sure the boys understood that and did their stuff.”

Joao Balde had put East Kilbride in front at Broadwood Stadium before Dean Brett’s corner levelled the scores.

Kilby captain Ryan Lockie put the Lanarkshire men back in front before Kallum Higginbotham’s strike sent the game to penalties.

Tranent’s chances of lifting the cup received an early boost when Dylan MacDonald missed his spot kick. However, Spencer Moreland’s penalty crashed back off the crossbar – although video footage suggested it might have crossed the line – and the tie went to sudden death.

There, it was goalkeeper Kelby Mason’s turn to be the hero as he first saved from Lockie before then denying Keir Samson.

Tranent did it the hard way as they defeated East Kilbride to lift the Lowland League Cup. Image: Alan Wilson

Little, who was celebrating his first trophy as a manager, said: “It’s funny, normally we think [Tranent’s other keeper] Sam Scott is the better penalty kick saver.

“Kelby had a great save and he needed to save it.”

Little was quick to praise everyone associated with the club, which is in its second season in the fifth tier of Scottish football.

He highlighted the success that East Kilbride – who needed just a point from yesterday evening’s (Wednesday) game with Civil Service Strollers, which was postponed, to be crowned champions – had enjoyed this season, including twice defeating Tranent.

Tranent have secured their first cup as a senior side after defeating East Kilbride in the Lowland League Cup final. Image: Alan Wilson

The former Livingston and Berwick Rangers midfielder said of the win: “It was good for the boys.

“It has been difficult trying to beat East Kilbride.

“We had a good spell against them at the start of the season in the Scottish Cup and we tried to find a way to try to beat them on Sunday.

“It was great for the boys and seeing them celebrating.

“It was great for the hard work for the people behind the scenes.”