11-05-2025
Annan reach play-off final on emotional day at Galabank
Annan Athletic made it safely into the Scottish League One play-off final on an emotional day at Galabank.
Wullia Gibson's side, who are fighting to save their third-tier status, lost 2-1 at home to Elgin City but went through to the final 5-4 on aggregate.
And before the game there were poignant scenes as the club remembered Kaye Kilsby, mum of defender Max, who was previously on Carlisle United's books.
A minute's applause was held in Kaye's memory and Annan later announced: "Kaye was the mother of first team player Max Kilsby who sadly passed away this week.
"Kaye, along with her husband Rob and their family, have followed Max proudly as he makes his way in the professional game and were ever present both home and away watching the Black and Golds.
"Everyone at the club is devastated by her untimely passing and we would like to pass on our heartfelt thoughts and condolences to Rob, Max and all the family."
Tommy Muir's first-minute goal at Galabank put the tie further from Elgin's reach after Wullie Gibson's side won the first leg 4-2.
Elgin hit back with goals in either half from Ryan Sargent and Oliver McDonald.
But Annan held onto their aggregate advantage and will now face East Fife in the two-legged final.
East Fife claimed a 3-0 win over Edinburgh City in their second leg to go through 3-1 on aggregate.
The side who finished second in Scottish League Two are hoping to overhaul League One's ninth-placed side in Annan to gain promotion to the third tier.
The final's first leg at East Fife is this Tuesday at 7.30pm, with the second leg at Galabank on Friday, also at 7.30pm.
Annan are hoping to avoid a return to the fourth tier after two seasons in League One.
Peter Murphy's Queen of the South, meanwhile, saw their hopes of returning to the Championship dashed by Cove Rangers.
After a 0-0 draw in the semi-final first leg at Palmerston Park, Paul Hartley's Cove claimed a 2-1 win over the Doonhamers on Saturday.
Cove struck an early penalty through Mitch Megginson before Blair Yule put them further in control. Kai Kennedy pulled one back but Queens could not complete their fightback.
Our season comes to an end as we suffer defeat in the second leg of the play-off semi-final.#CVRQOS | #League1 | #TheDoonhamers
— Queen of the South (@OfficialQosFC) May 10, 2025
It means Cove go through to the final against Airdrieonians, who defeated Stenhousemuir 2-1 on Saturday and 5-2 on aggregate.
Queens will now rebuild for another crack at promotion in 2025/26, having finished third in the table in Murphy's first season in charge.
