Trophies International v Ellon Thistle

Scottish Amateur Cup 1st Round

Ellon Thistle made their first appearance in the Scottish Amateur Cup since 2008 when they faced Trophies International at Balmedie on Saturday. The two sides shared a goal a piece in a dire first half before The Jags stepped up a gear in the second period to run out comfortable winners.

For the first time this season, Ellon had sixteen players available for selection as Keith Reid returned to starting eleven while Martin Rennie and new signing David McKeitch had to settle for places on the bench.

After falling behind early in the first half, Thistle were lucky to go in at half time all square. Jamie McNeil's effort was diverted by a Trophies defender beyond his own goalkeeper to make it 1-1.

The second half looked more promising for Ellon but it was not until the introduction of David McKeitch that the balance of play swung completely in the visitor's favour. McKeitch struck twice and could have had a hat-trick to cap a fine performance. Greg Gillan also got himself on the scoresheet with a long range effort that dipped late to beat the Trophies keeper.

Keith Reid completed the scoring to make it 5-1. Thistle will now travel to Old Aberdonians in the second round.

Final Score: Trophies International 1 Ellon Thistle 5

Ellon Thistle: Adamson, Stephen Cruickshanks, Anderson, Henderson (McKeitch), Alexander, Gillan, Kennedy, C. Duncan, Reid, Davidson, McNeil (Drummond). Subs not used: Cockburn, Rennie.

Man of the Match: David McKeitch