Ashfield 2-2 Cambuslang Rangers
Lang win 4-3 on Pens
Central League Cup 1st Round
Saturday 21st February
Cambuslang moved into the 2nd round of the
Central League cup , but only just. After throwing away a 2 goal lead they had
to rely on the spot kick decider to progress.
Manager Andy Cunningham made no fewer than 6 changes to
the side that ousted Maryhill in the Scottish Cup in the previous game. Fringe
players were given the opportunity to stake a claim in the first team. Rested
were Rowan, Doak, McGregor, Galloway, Holmes and McCrae. There places were
taken by Murphy, Martin, Carmichael, Stoddart, Brown and recent acquisition
Alan Paterson in his second spell at Somervell. The midfielder signing from
Larkhall a couple of weeks ago.
If what turned out to be a pretty drab
encounter it was Cambuslang who opened the scoring. In the 25th minute the
visitors were awarded a spot kick after an Ashfield defender had handled in the
box. Carmichael made no mistake from the spot and put the Lang in front. Cambuslang
went close on minutes later when Stoddart shot was deflected inches wide of the
post. Then Burns missed a chance to increase the Lang lead when he shot wide
from close range. The home sides first real effort at goal came on 42 minutes
when Miller fired narrowly over. A minute later and the same player almost got
on the score sheet but this time his header went wide from 8 yards.
H-T 1-0
Cambuslang increased their lead on 56 minutes,
and a large slice of luck went with it. Martin out wide looked to cross into
the middle but the ball flew into the top corner fooling everyone, but this
didn't stop the big defender from celebrating a rare goal. Cambuslang best move
of the game came on the hour mark when Coulter and Paterson combined well to
set up Carmichael but the finish couldn't match the move and he shot over from
the edge of the box. On 67 minutes the home team grabbed a lifeline when Miller
was on hand to capitalise on some sloppy defending, Cambuslang were unable to
get the ball clear and Miller had all the time to slot past Murphy. Cambuslang
replaced Stoddart with Billy Holmes. As the game looked to be petering out
Ashfield were awarded a penalty in the 82 minute. Ferguson penalised for a tug
of the jersey and Miller slotted past Murphy to send the game to penalties.
F-T 2-2
Cambuslang progressed after a 4-3 win in the
shoot out. Coulter, Brown, Holmes and Carmichael all despatched their kicks
past the Ashfield keeper. But it was Ashfield Miller who went from Hero to
villain as his decisive kick was one of two that Lang reserve keeper Murphy
saved.
Murphy, Ferguson, Feenie, Burns, Martin,
Carmichael, Stoddart, Coulter, Brown. Paterson & McCarroll
Subs from Holmes, Doak, McCrae, Love &
Rowan
This weekend Cambuslang get back to the
important issue of League Duty when they travel to take on Lanark, a place
where they have struggled in recent times.
Cambuslang were given another test in the
search for cup glory when they were paired with Holders and Favourites Tayport
in Sunday's live TV O.V.D. Scottish Cup draw.