FOOTBALL — Emphatic Scottish Cup Win For Blackthorn Rovers

Jamie McCabe winning a header

Blackthorn Rovers 9-1 Bellslea

BLACKTHORN progressed to the next round of the Scottish Cup with an outstanding performance and result against Fraserburgh side Bellslea.

The northern club have traditionally been involved in the latter stages of the national competitions and, as a result, would have fancied their chances, despite the long journey and their opponents’ strong start to the season.

Lining up with three front men, Bellslea started brightly and looked to a direct style of play to utilise their speed in attack. However, it was the home side that opened the scoring with just six minutes gone as Kevin McDermid netted following a stramash in the box. Moments later the lead was almost extended when Cameron found himself through on goal but was thwarted by an outstanding challenge by the Bellslea centre-half.

The second goal was not long in coming as McDermid was fouled in the box allowing Jamie McCabe to smash home the resulting penalty kick. The Bellslea heads noticeably dropped and two further goals from Cameron and Jordan over the next three minutes provided ‘Thorn with a four-goal lead with less than 20 minutes on the clock.

Lee McCurdy almost made it five but his curling effort was denied by the post before Bellslea finally upped their game and pulled a goal back before half-time.

‘Thorn started the second half the way they had began the first with quick attacks and looking sharp in the final third. Indeed, goals from Cameron and McCabe early in the half made the scoreline even more comfortable before McCurdy and substitute McGraw rounded off the scoring.

Overall, this was a fantastic performance by the Blue Brazil with a result that will not go unnoticed in the competition.

Blackthorn line-up: Koekenbier; McDermid (McNeil), Harkin, Wiggins, Brunton; Hunter, Jordan, McCurdy (Fry), Smith (McAllister); McCabe (McGraw), Cameron (Mullen).

This Sunday, ‘Thorn are involved in a top-of-the-table clash with Chaplins with a noon kick-off at Drumshantie Road, Gourock. The match also serves as a prequel to the Ridgedoc Cup final later in the month. With both teams undefeated in league fixtures this season, a close and exciting game is expected.

Blackthorn thank kit sponsor Koekibar (www.Koekibar.com) for continued support.