Carlisle United loanee Max Kilsby starred with two superb goals as Annan Athletic took a major step towards promotion.

The young defender scored brilliantly in either half as Peter Murphy’s side claimed a 3-1 win over Clyde in their play-off final first leg.

The teenage left-back was also named man of the match as Annan reached the halfway point in the Scottish League One decider with a significant advantage.

Kilsby, 19, opened the scoring for Annan with a rocket strike from the left of the box in the 18th minute at Galabank.

Clyde pegged the hosts back before half-time through a Euan Cameron effort.

But Kilsby restored their lead with another fine effort, this time from outside the area in the 67th minute.

It was the first brace of the first-year Carlisle pro’s senior career.

And Annan went further in front eight minutes from time when a cross was deflected into his own net by Clyde’s Erik Sula.

It gives Carlisle legend Murphy’s side a great opportunity to claim a place in Scotland’s third tier.

They will now aim to get the job done in the second leg on Friday at the ZLX Stadium.

Kilsby, who has spent the season on loan at Galabank, put in an impressive performance throughout as Annan got the better of Jim Duffy’s visitors, earning the man of the match vote from BBC Alba co-commentator Cammy Bell.

They are aiming to go one better than previous play-off final appearances when Clyde, in 2019, and Edinburgh City, in 2022, got the better of Murphy’s men.

Annan were captained by long-serving Cumbrian Steven Swinglehurst, one of several former Carlisle United men in the Galabankies’ squad.

Like the first leg, Friday’s rematch will be televised live on BBC Alba and kicks off at 7.35pm.