Johnshaven Ath v Ellon Thistle

North of Scotland Cup Second Round

Ellon Thistle made the long journey to Johnshaven for this second round tie in the North of Scotland cup. Thistle were looking to get the better of their first division opponents and progress to the next round after two recent cup defeats. The game went ahead as planned as the playing surface was in surprisingly good condition despite the recent bad weather. Johnshaven, who had gone eight games unbeaten*, started well and had the better of the opening exchanges without really threatening the Thistle goal.

Highlight of the first half was perhaps the winding up of the Johnshaven right-back by the travelling support mainly due to his inability to tackle. Time after time, Billy Dailly and Mikey Wild would skip by the defender to the amusement of the sideline. Thistle's attempts on goal were few and far between although after a Ryan Birnie corner, the ball fell to Cockburn with his back to goal but his overhead kick dropped harmlessly wide.

A number of close offside calls against Mikey Wild were beginning to frustrate the striker but he made the breakthrough when a long ball from Alexander put him one on one with the Johnshaven keeper. The opportunity to score seemed to have gone but WILD somehow managed to squeeze the ball into the far corner from a tight angle.

Just before the end of the first forty five, Johnshaven narrowly failed to equalise. An attacker had cleverly worked his way into a shooting position however his effort failed to trouble Dickinson in the Thistle goal.

Half-Time: Johnshaven Ath 0 Ellon Thistle 1

With the tie still delicately poised, no changes were made by either side at the interval. As the second period progressed, Thistle became increasingly frustrated with some inconsistent refereeing and as a result Alexander, Murray and Duncan all found themselves in the book.

The match had begun to open up and chances were created at both ends. Johnshaven's number 8 beat Alexander and Anderson and looked likely to score but again the home sides finishing left a lot to be desired. At the other end, Ryan Birnie split the defence with a pass that put Beaton through but the goalkeeper smothered the ball as the striker attempted to take the ball round him.

Alexander and Duncan began to push their luck with the referee whose decisions continued to infuriate Thistle and both were close to an early shower. However, Neil Murray was not so fortunate. One mistimed tackle too many from the midfielder meant he was sent from the field for Thistle's second sending off in as many games.

Ten man Ellon continued in search of the two goal cushion and another close offside call against Wild prevented him from doubling his tally after good work from Duncan. He was not to be denied though as a long clearance from goalkeeper Dickinson looked likely to be dealt with by the Johnshaven sweeper however, the ball was allowed to bounce and deceived the big defender giving WILD the opportunity to drive towards goal. Another spectacular strike by the Thistle front man all but sealed the win for the visitors and a place in the third round.

Wild was unable to claim his hat-trick as Billy Dailly and Ryan Birnie played out the final few seconds at the Johnshaven corner flag. Thistle returned to winning ways at the fourth attempt and can look forward to a weekend off next week to celebrate Neil Mitchell's wedding.

Final Score: Johnshaven Ath 0 Ellon Thistle 2

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

*This fact has yet to be confirmed