McTeagle v Ellon Thistle

Dickie Trophy - 3rd Round

Ellon Thistle's Dickie Trophy third round tie with McTeagle finally got the go-ahead after a number of recent postponements. However, the game was under threat early in the second half after a hail shower made playing conditions almost impossible. Nevertheless, The full ninety minutes were played and Thistle were able to avenge their defeat to league strugglers McTeagle last month.

Injuries and suspensions resulted in Thistle only having twelve fit players for this game as both Graeme Giles and Michael Wild began their suspensions and injury ruled out defender Bruce Alexander.

Thistle dominated proceedings but were unable to take advantage of a number of opportunities to test a suspect McTeagle goalkeeper. Billy Dailly, Mark Cockburn and Martyn Duncan all had chances to put the visitors in front before Dailly broke the deadlock. A Stephen Cruickshanks cross from the left was turned back across the face of the goal by Martyn Duncan and DAILLY headed home from close range.

Half-Time: McTeagle 0 Ellon Thistle 1

With just a slender lead, Thistle were eager to add a second goal to prevent a nervy finish to the game. Again, a number of chances to secure a place in the quarter finals were spurned. Billy Dailly beat his marker on the edge of the box but managed to pull his shot wide. A great run by Martyn Duncan was spotted by Steven Beaton but his pass was short and the chance was lost. A well worked move down the left resulted in David Anderson having a shot at goal but he failed to test the McTeagle keeper.

Ellon finally added the vital second goal when David Anderson, who controlled the midfield in the second half, picked out Beaton on the left. The strikers cross fell kindly at the feet of Martyn DUNCAN who fired a left foot shot beyond the keeper for his third goal in as many games.

Andy McLean made his return from a lengthy spell on the sidelines when he came off the bench to replace Cockburn. The striker almost had an immediate impact when his shot from a Billy Dailly pass beat the goalkeeper but rebounded off the post.

In the final minutes of the game, the home side pulled a goal back. Thistle conceded possession deep in the opposition half and McTeagle quickly turned defence into attack and scored with their only real chance of the game to make it 2-1. The scoreline did not reflect Thistle’s dominance and they deservedly booked their place in the quarter finals.

Final Score: McTeagle 1 Ellon Thistle 2

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