Ellon Thistle v Stoneywood Amateurs

Barclay Cook Cup First Round

Injuries, suspensions and stag nights left Thistle in the unusual predicament of having just twelve available players for the Barclay Cook first round match against Stoneywood at the Meadows. Neil Birnie, posted missing for the last few weeks, made a timely return to the squad to make up the numbers. From the available players, Thistle were set out in an unfamiliar 3-5-2 formation with Bruce Alexander dropping back into the heart of the defence to marshal youngsters Henderson and Anderson.

Stoneywood were looking to repeat their 3-0 league victory at The Meadows on the opening day of the season although their recent form had been poor. Both sides took time to adapt to the underfoot conditions as heavy rain continued throughout the game. The visitors were first to strike early in the first half when they capitalised on some slack defending and a cool finish put them one ahead.

There was a suspicion of offside when Stoneywood doubled their lead which infuriated the home support. After a break down the right, Andy Dickinson managed to palm away the initial effort but only into the path of a Stoneywood attacker, clearly in an offside position, who was left to roll the ball into an empty thistle goal. Hopes of a Thistle comeback were lifted as chances were created at the other end. Michael Wild, Martyn Duncan and a powerful Richard Longmuir strike all rebounded off the woodwork.

Half-Time: Ellon Thistle 0 Stoneywood Amateurs 2

Like the previous week, Thistle emerged from the interval chasing a two goal deficit but some good passing moves involving Cockburn, Duncan and Dailly failed to create clear-cut opportunities for striker Wild, who worked tirelessly throughout the 90 minutes.

A number of Thistle attacks were quick to break down as they pressed to haul themselves back into the game. Stoneywood were quick to turn defence into attack with quick breaks and took advantage of the space on the right. A cross into the box was diverted into his own net by substitute Cruickshanks for their third and a goal that all but ended Thistle's hopes of progressing in the competition.

A fourth soon followed which wrapped up a convincing victory for the visitors. After another disappointing cup defeat, Thistle have another cup double header in the coming weeks where they will look to make progress into the later rounds and get back to winning ways before the league campaign continues.

Final Score: Ellon Thistle 0 Stoneywood Amateurs 4

Ellon Thistle: A Dickinson, N Henderson, D Anderson, R Birnie, B Alexander, M Duncan, M Cockburn, R Longmuir (S Cruickshanks), M Wild, B Dailly, S Beaton (N Birnie). Subs Not Used: