Ellon Thistle v Newtonhill

AFC Trophy

Ellon Thistle welcomed Newtonhill to The Meadows in the second round of the AFC Trophy. The visitors were challenging at the top of Division Two North and would provide a stiff test for an out of form Thistle. Martyn Duncan returned to the first team after a week in the reserves and he replaced Neil Mitchell. Neil Murray also returned to the starting eleven in the absence of Billy Dailly.

Thistle were aiming to halt a poor run of form but got off to the worst possible start when a loose pass from Ryan Birnie in the centre of the park was intercepted and within seconds Newtonhill had the ball in the back of the net. Despite falling a goal behind in the opening minute, Thistle were immediately on the attack in search of an equaliser and much of the first period was played in the Newtonhill half. After forcing a series of corners and creating a number of half chances, the home side were eventually rewarded when Martyn DUNCAN found the net from close range.

Ellon almost sneaked in front when the ball fell to Cammy Davidson on the edge of the box and his volley rattled the crossbar. The midfielder was involved again when his cross from the right was diverted into the Newtonhill goal by Michael WILD to put Thistle 2-1 up at the interval.

Half-Time: Ellon Thistle 2 Newtonhill 1

Newtonhill threatened twice early in the second half when crosses into the Thistle box found an unmarked attacker who failed to find the target on both occasions. However, they were punished soon after when an attempt on goal was saved by Dickinson but he could only palm the ball into the path of an onrushing forward who smashed the ball into the net.

An opportunity at the other end fell to Steven Beaton who had a goal-bound shot blocked by the head of a defender. Martyn Duncan got a sight of goal and seemed likely to double his tally for the game but he managed to fire his shot wide with just the keeper to beat. Michael Wild had his claims for a penalty waived away and it was looking ominous that this was not going to be Thistle's day.

In the final minutes, with the tie heading towards extra-time, Newtonhill snatched a dramatic winner. A shot from outside the box looked unlikely to trouble Dickinson but the Ellon goalkeeper saw it late and could not prevent the ball finding the net.

Final Score: Ellon Thistle 2 Newtonhill 3

Ellon Thistle: A Dickinson, N Henderson, S Cruickshanks, G Giles (R Longmuir), R Birnie, B Alexander, N Murray, M Duncan, C Davidson, S Beaton, M Wild. Subs Not Used: M Cockburn, D Anderson, I Bailey