Cumbernauld Colts slam six past Vale of Leithen in League Cup

It was the perfect response to Wednesday night’s disappointing 3-2 defeat against the same opponent, which saw Colts crash out of the SFA Challenge Cup.

Colts started brightly and took a deserved lead in seven minutes when Paul Nash tucked a low Connor McKenzie cross past Ross Gilpin from close range.

Vale of Leithen responded well and Sean Brown, back helping his defence at a corner, had to clear Cameron Dawson’s effort off the line.

At the other end Brown then ran onto Jordan Marshall’s superb long pass but the striker pulled his volley narrowly past the far post.

However he made amends in 31 minutes when he again got clear of the visiting defence and placed the ball low past Gilpin from 15 yards.

The hosts added a third in 37 minutes when Brown’s cross broke to the inrushing Craig Holmes who rifled the ball low past Gilpin.

Vale of Leithen started the second period with a bit more intent, but it was no avail and Colts threatened again when McKenzie’s thumping shot was parried by Gilpin, but Brown couldn’t divert the rebound into the net.

However it wasn’t long before Colts killed the contest. On 74 minutes substitute Stephen O’Neill, returning after a long term injury, raced clear. His first effort was blocked by Gilpin, but O’Neill showed great composure to knock the rebound into the net with a well-placed header.

Five minutes later the hard working Michael Wallace capitalised on a defensive error and knocked the ball low past Gilpin from a tight angle.

Colts were now dominant and in 85 minutes O’Neill netted his second, skilfully flicking a Ritchie Kirwan cross high past Gilpin from 12 yards.

Colts now host Gala Fairydean Rovers in the quarter-finals this Friday.