A Chris McLaughlin double along with a James Ross strike gave the Ants a fine 3-1 win in the first round of the New Coin Holdings West of Scotland cup. A big thank you to all at M & T Pipeline for sponsoring today’s match. Your support is greatly appreciated.
The Ants took the lead in the 26th minute with a fine move, Dempsey intercepted a pass and found McLaughlin, he passed to Gordon who flicked it back in a one-two with McLaughlin sending the return ball out wide to Kelly, with the outside of the boot he weighted a perfect pass through to CHRIS MCLAUGHLIN who had continued his run and gave Fisher in the Annbank goal no chance with a shot across the keeper and into the corner.
The Ants doubled their lead in the 48th minute. Crawford’s pass found Henderson who had came on at half time to replace the injured Gordon, he passed back to CHRIS MCLAUGHLIN who advanced forward a couple of yards before unleashing a powerful drive from 20 yards which flew past Fisher and into the net. Annbank reduced the deficit in the 73rd minute when Patrick was adjudged to have impeded DILLAN DUNN after the striker had headed wide, Annbank’s top scorer dusted himself down to send Patrick the wrong way and give his team a lifeline.
The joy was short lived though as the Ants regained their two goal advantage when Annbank could only partially clear a corner, the ball dropped to Grant Kelly who tried a volley but didn’t connect right with the ball, he did however manage to find JAMES ROSS with the scuff and the big centre half lashed the ball into the net.
A fine 3-1 victory for the Ants against an impressive Annbank side who played some lovely football of their own at times and a trip to Girvan in the second round, the date of which is yet to be confirmed.
Ants Website Man of the Match – A lot of good performances but CHRIS MCLAUGHLIN shades it with his double.
