More Turnovers Than Greggs

June 13th, 2026

Merseyside Nighthawks 07 East Kilbride Pirates 18

With their designated “Home” venue being unavailable, the Nighthawks took to the road and pitched up at the Armitage Sports Centre in Manchester. There, stereotypically rainy weather made it difficult for either team to retain possession, particularly during the first half.

The Pirates received the opening kick-off and quickly moved the ball into Merseyside territory. That momentum disappeared when running back Mike Sop lost control of the ball and saw it hit the deck then be recovered by the defense. The home side’s first drive was equally short lived, then on their second possession, a strip-sack by Michael Girvan was recovered by Dale Le Hardy at the Merseyside 35 yard line. EK took full advantage and five plays later QB Reece Aris connected with Arran McDonald for the go ahead TD. Rory Kay’s PAT slipped past the left upright to limit the Pirates’ lead to 6-0.

The second quarter saw a series of plays with the two sides giving possession away. Firstly Gamu Mukeredzi picked off a Nighthawks pass only to see EKP quickly fumble away possession once again. Undeterred, Mukeredzi pulled in his second pick on successive drives. However, again his endeavour brought no reward as the Pirates coughed up the ball for a third time. You can only dodge a bullet so many times, and Merseyside finally took advantage of their visitors’ generosity, running the ball into the endzone on a 2^nd-and-goal from the 1-yard line. This was not only their first TD of the game, but their first of the season, and the addition of the PAT gave them the lead. An immediate response was needed and McDonald returning the ensuing kick-off back into Nighthawks territory gave things a much needed spark. An 8-play drive concluded when Aris found Martin Gallagher in the endzone from 11 yards. EK tried to make up for the earlier missed PAT by going for the 2-pointer this time around, but the attempt fell short.

The entire third period was scoreless, with the only highlight being an interception by Adam Montgomery. So, as the game moved into Q4 the Prates held a narrow 12-7 lead. An early opportunity to stretch that came almost immediately, with Kay stepping up to attempt a 27-yard Field Goal. Unfortunately he was unable to get the kick away as his holder couldn’t control a wayward snap. The tension did eventually ease on their next drive though. Aris moved his offence steadily upfield before hitting a wide open Andrew McBride from 6 yards out. The 2PAT was again incomplete, but EK now had a two score lead. Both sides traded punts for what was left of the game, so the Pirates headed back North with a W in the bag. As Coach Davies said after the game, sometimes you have to tough it out and win ugly.

The Buffalo Trace Bourbon Gameday MVP Award was presented to linebacker Ross Neale for a relentless performance, tackling the ball carrier and harassing the QB.

Next up for East Kilbride is a return visit to Manchester, this time to take on the resident side, Manchester Titans. That game is on Saturday 20^th June at Belle Vue stadium.

Report by Bill Campbell

Share this article