JS XI v Ellon Thistle

Dickie Trophy 3rd Round

Thistle locked horns with JS XI for the third time this season in the third round of the Dickie Trophy at Hazlehead. The Jags had failed to come out on top in either of the previous encounters, squandering a two goal advantage to draw two each at The Meadows before losing out by the odd goal in seven in October.

The visitors were again without a number of regular starters but welcomed back Martin Rennie and skipper Martyn Duncan to the first eleven. Regular supersub Ben Drummond was accompanied by Dave Cherry, reserve goalkeeper Martin Tremlett and Thistle stalwart Graeme Giles to make up an unfamiliar substitutes bench.

Despite failing to create any real chances, Ellon considered themselves unlucky to be trailing at the interval to two wonder strikes and they emerged for the second period knowing the importance of scoring the next goal in order to keep themselves in the tie. David McKeitch prodded home the goal that brought The Jags back into the game but their joy was shortlived as JLS soon restored their two goal advantage.

Thistle goalkeeper Adamson was fortunate to escape his third red card of the season when he kicked out at a JLS midfielder who was guilty of a similar off the ball assault in the first half that went unpunished. However, Adamson's name was taken by the referee who had earlier delayed the kick off by arriving at the wrong venue.

JLS pose for a team photo

The home side added two further goals to seal a 5-1 victory and a place in the quarter finals. Ellon will be looking to shore up a porous defence that has leaked nine goals in their last two outings in order to avoid another cup exit when they travel to Don Athletic in the North of Scotland Cup on Saturday.

Final Score: JS XI 5 Ellon Thistle 1

Ellon Thistle: Adamson, Gillan, Anderson, M. Duncan, Rennie (Drummond), C. Duncan, Kennedy, McKeitch, Cowie, Beaton, Stephen Cruickshanks. Subs not used: Cherry, Giles, Tremlett.

Man of the Match: