Ellon Thistle v Theologians

North of Scotland Cup Second Round

A Billy Dailly brace ensured Ellon Thistle progressed to the third round of the North of Scotland cup at the expense of struggling Theologians. The visitors have yet to pick up a league point but made Ellon work for their victory in an uninspiring tussle at The Meadows.

Ellon started promisingly and immediately had their opponents on the backfoot. From an early corner, Martin Rennie made a nuisance of himself in the visitor's penalty area before a Mark Kennedy effort was blocked by a Theologians defender. Kennedy was again involved when he cut back to Beaton who had his shot saved by the goalkeeper who injured himself in the process. The blustery conditions were causing problems for both goalkeepers and Theologians found it difficult to get the ball out of their own half during the first period.

Thistle's early pressure finally paid off when Billy DAILLY fired a left-footed shot low into the net after good work on the right by Martyn Duncan and Neil Henderson. As the home side attempted to build on their lead, Mark Kennedy was becoming increasingly frustrated with a number of offside decisions going against him. However, when the Thistle attacker did beat the offside trap, his attempt to lob the advancing 'keeper also cleared the crossbar.

Despite the home side appearing to dictate the game, Theologians responded with a number of goal scoring opportunities late in the first half. Stevie High, on his seasonal reappearance in goal in place of Daniel Adamson, was in top form and made a string of fine saves. When the goalkeeper was beaten, Bruce Alexander was on hand to divert a goal-bound effort behind for a corner kick.

Half Time: Ellon Thistle 1 Theologians 0

In the second half, goal scorer Dailly believed he should have been awarded a penalty after a challenge from the away side's full back but his claims were ignored by the referee. Martyn Duncan had returned to the team after serving a four match suspension and he had the chance to mark his return with a goal but he somehow missed from six yards with the goal at his mercy.

At the other end, goalkeeper High continued to preserve Thistle's advantage as the home side strived to record consecutive shut outs for the first time this season.

Callum Duncan and Mark Cockburn were both introduced in an attempt to rouse a lacklustre Ellon performance and their introduction appeared to have the desired effect as Billy Dailly added his and Thistle's second goal of the game. Theologians 'keeper was robbed of possession some distance from his goal and midfielder DAILLY coolly slotted home despite the best efforts of a defender on the goal line.

In the closing stages, Neil Henderson had the chance to make Thistle's margin of victory more emphatic but he struck the outside of the post with just the 'keeper to beat.

The game finished 2-0 and although a poor spectacle for those on the sidelines, the majority were delighted to see Ellon Thistle progress to round three of the North of Scotland cup.

Final Score: Ellon Thistle 2 Theologians 0

Ellon Thistle: High, Henderson, Anderson, Alexander, Rennie, Cruickshanks, M. Duncan (C. Duncan), Dailly, Beaton (Cockburn), Kennedy, Birnie. Subs not used: Giles, Bruce, Murray.

Man of the Match: Steve High