East Kilbride boss Mick Kennedy was delighted to see his side turn in a five-star show in their win over Berwick after fearing the club’s Christmas night out in Liverpool could have been a distraction.
Kilby marched five points clear at the top of the Lowland League on a day skipper Jack Leitch netted four goals in a blistering first-half performance, before David Ferguson struck to complete the 5-0 rout late on at K-Park.
Off the back of a 4-1 win over Broomhill last midweek, Kilby are now in a strong position with a game in hand over rivals Celtic B and Caledonian Braves.
And Kennedy was pleased his side got the job done ahead of their festive gathering down south.
He said: “The boys were away to Liverpool after the Berwick game so that’s that done and dusted, thankfully.
“Any manager will tell you there’s always a wee bit of concern when these things are happening, that it can be a bit of a distraction.
“So I’m delighted that the boys got the result and they could properly go and enjoy themselves.
“The first 45 minutes was as good a first half as we’ve had in my time at East Kilbride. The boys were exceptional.
“I think they wanted to get it done quickly so they didn’t have to listen to me moaning after the game.
“We’ve scored 76 goals in 19 games now and that is quite an astonishing figure.
“I always felt if we could pick up nine points from the three games in the last week, we would come out of it in a really good position and that’s what has materialised.”
Kennedy also heaped praise on Leitch for his impressive showing in front of goal.
He added: “Jack has become the club captain recently and the standards he has set himself, not only in matches, but in training, has been really high.
“It is something other players should aspire to, the levels he is showing.
“He is a really intelligent player and has a great understanding of what we want him to do.
“It was a great day for him getting four of the goals.”
Kilby now take a break from league action to face West of Scotland League Premier Division outfit Pollok in the last 16 of the South Challenge Cup on Saturday. Kick-off at Newlandsfield Park is 2pm.
They return to league business on December 28 when Albion Rovers visit K-Park in the first game of a festive double-header.