League Cup blues for Kilsyth Ammies

Fosters League Cup, round two

AMMIES travelled to a blustery Greenock on Saturday for this tricky cup tie.

The home side started stronger with their pacy forwards both having early efforts which flashed just wide.

Kilsyth were not at their best, putting in a very lacklustre performance, so it was no surprise when Greenock took the lead as their number 10 outpaced the Ammies defence and, although his shot was well saved by Stevenson, his strike partner was there to net the rebound.

Kilsyth’s first serious effort came when Paterson rolled the ball in to Higgins, whose shot from 20 yards brought a fine save from the keeper.

After half an hour Kilsyth were awarded a freekick which was played by Hagan to Ewan, who beat his marker and cut the ball back to the edge of the box where Christie unleashed a powerful drive just wide.

The dreary first half came to an end with Ammies trailing 1-0.

Higney and Mullholland replaced Ewan and Johnstone for the start of the second half and there was slight improvement in Kilsyth’s play.

Stevenson’s long kick-out found Paterson on the right who nipped past his opponent and crossed into the box where Mullholland hit a volley that was well saved.

Stirling and Bell combined well to play in Higgins whose strike went narrowly wide.

Ammies were playing a lot better now against a very strong wind but then seemed to press the self destruct button.

A very slack pass-back not being dealt with by Stevenson found the Greenock number 10 who toe-poked into the net.

Ammies were still trying to break down a stuffy home defence with efforts from McCahill and Higney flashing wide.

They did manage to pull a goal back after 80 minutes when Paterson passed wide for his namesake to drill a ball into the box which found the back of the net.

Greenock could have gone further ahead but the crossbar saved Kilsyth.

A short time later Hagan went on a marauding run, beat a couple of men and played a one-two with Mullholland, before striking just wide.

This was to be Ammies final effort in a very under-par performance that was to bring an ear-bashing from disgruntled coaches Hamill and Mullholland who will expect a vast improvement in the next game when Ammies travel to face current Scottish Cup holders Wishaw.

Team: Stevenson, Stirling, McCahill, Hagan, Bell, M. Paterson, Christie, R. Paterson, Higgins, Johnstone, Ewan, Higney, Mullholland.