Thorniewood 1 Larkhall Thistle 1 (4-2 pens) 15th April 2015 EuroScot Eng Cup Second Round

Robertson Park, Viewpark
Thorniewood v Larkhall Thistle

Thistle made some changes for the short trip to Viewpark, Mark McKeever at left back replaced Scott Nicholl and Ian Cooke started on the right with Matty Clarke up front with Graham Gracie.

The park was lumpy and not really conducive to good football and that is exactly what the first half served up, no football at all. Thorniewood had the better of the early stages but the Jags came back into the game and controlled the rest of the half for the most part.

There were hardly any chances created by either side other than a couple of free kicks, Thistle did however had a chance to take the lead just before half time after a good run down the left by Gracie and a great cross that Cooke did very well to get a diving header on – the ball going just over the bar.

Larkhall winger David Reid hobbled off after half an hour after a collistion with the Thorniewood keeper and was replaced by Brian Jack.

Half Time: Thorniewood 0 Larkhall Thistle 0

Hugh Kelly came on for the second half in place of McKeever who picked up a knock. The second period wasn’t really much better but Thistle continued to dominate and looked like they were going to be the team to go through. There were a few more goalmouth incidents but the big chance of the game so far fell to the home side after 66 minutes when their striker found himself totally unmarked eight yards out with a tap in but totally fluffed his lines and rolled the ball into the arms of a grateful Alan Colquhoun.

The relief was only temporary though as Thorniewood took the lead two minutes later. Gracie was dispossessed in the middle of the park and they broke up the left side before slipping a low shot past the advancing Colquhoun.

The lead only lasted a minute however as Thistle went straight up the park and equalised with a great dipping effort from Matty Clarke.

Andy Brown replaced Cooke with 18 minutes to go and the game ended in a stalemate and as is normal now went straight to penalties.

Thorniewood were the first to miss but misses from Jags Brian Jack and Matty Clarke saw them through 4-2.

Full Time: Thorniewood 1 Larkhall Thistle 1 (4-2 pens)

Larkhall Thistle:
Colquhoun; McKeever (Kelly 45), Reynolds, Schoneville, McPhee; Cooke (Brown 72), Innes, Marshall, Reid (Jack 35); Clarke, Gracie.

Thistle scorers: Clarke

Booked:  –

Best on the day for Thistle: Jags groundsman and all round Thistle stalwart Hugh Kerr picked out Ian Cooke and who am I to argue.