Former United player Kelbie helps create Scottish Cup history

Kevin Kelbie was a favourite with Ballymena United supporters during his time at the Showgrounds.

But United fans were delighted to see former player Kevin Kelbie help create a piece of Scottish Cup history last week.

Kelbie scored the only goal as Linlithgow, based 20 miles outside Edinburgh, beat their Scottish Division Two opponents to become the first junior side to reach the last 16 of the country’s top knockout competition.

They now face Premiership side Ross County in the next round.

Kelbie, who was signed for Ballymena by Tommy Wright - ironically now also making a big name for himself in Scottish football circles as manager of St Johnstone - and also played under Roy Walker, was a massive fans’ favourite at the Showgrounds, scoring 75 goals in 179 appearances.

But just to show there’s not much glamour in the sport at junior level, Kelbie had to curtail his celebrations at Linlithgow’s success - he was up the next morning for work at his dog-walking business!