Crucial league game for Bellshill after West Cup exit

A much improved perfomance from the previous Saturday saw Bellshill Athletic push Super League Division 1 side Petershill all the way.
Action from last Saturday's Bellshill Athletic v Petershill cup tie (Pic by Alan Murray)Action from last Saturday's Bellshill Athletic v Petershill cup tie (Pic by Alan Murray)
Action from last Saturday's Bellshill Athletic v Petershill cup tie (Pic by Alan Murray)

Bellshill took the game to their illustrious opponents in the early stages of last Saturday’s game.

And their hard work was rewarded in the 16th minute when they won a penalty after good work down the left from Kane who was fouled well inside the box.

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Captain Chris McCormack duly despatched the spot kick into the net to put ’Hill 1-0 ahead.

The remainder of the first half saw Bellshill continue to press their visitors constantly but unable to add to the solitary goal.

Petershill started the second half the stronger of the two teams and got back on level terms in the 58th minute when Jason Hardy finished off a good move to level the score.

A combination of good goalkeeping and bad luck in hitting the post prevented the home team going in front.

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In the 80th minute the home team were hit with a sucker punch when they gave away a soft penalty for Stephen Sweeney’s foul which Liam Finnegan scored to put the visitors in front and also into the second round of the West of Scotland Cup.

“I was pleased with our first half performance,” said Bellshill manager Robert Sneddon.

“We played well and went in 1-0 up.

“But in the second half I don’t think we performed as well as we could have.

“We had been playing a high pressing game in the first half but we lost that in the second half and they came back into it.

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“Yet we missed a couple of chances just after half-time to put the game to bed.

“And if you do that against teams like Petershill then it is going to come back and haunt you.”

Bellshill – who are in the Central Division 1 relegation zone – face a key home game against fellow strugglers Vale of Clyde on their return to league duty this Saturday.

Robert said: “It is a huge game. Every game we have from now on is massive because of the way we have started.

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“We only have three points from five games so we need to get the points on the board.

“A lack of consistency in team selection – due to holidays and suspensions – has been going against us.

“But we should have a full squad to pick from this Saturday, for the first time this season.”