Football: Young Glens through in cup tie

Nov 21 2012 by Peter Ferguson, Rutherglen Reformer

If last week’s Scottish Cup tie was disappointing and embarrassing for the young Glens, this week’s replay was 100 per cent better.

The side were 3-1 up away to Neilston Juniors the previous week, but ended up throwing away their win and drew 3-3.

At home, with everybody back for the replay, they were looking for a much better performance and that’s exactly what they got.

The young Glens played the first 15 minutes in the Neilston half and when the first goal came on 16 minutes it was a peach.

Captain and man of the match Del Esplin picked up the ball some 40 yards out strolled forward and unleashed a superb strike into the back of the net. The side were 1-0 and on their way - or so they thought on 23 minutes a terrible error saw young Alan McLenaghan in the Glens goal allow a corner to slip out of his grasp and into the net for 1-1

Two minutes later the Glens regained the lead with Ross McNeil striking a shot from outside the box over the Neilston keeper and in off the underside of the bar for 2-1.

On 32 minutes McNeil was booked after a late tackle and this week the game was killed off on 33 minutes after a great move involving Nad Zeb saw him arrive in the box to fire home for 3-1.

More of the same was required in the second half and on 55 minutes it was 4-1 with Calum McRobbie curling a lovely ball past the keeper.

Changes then followed on 56 minutes with Paul McGuire replacing Kieran Chalmers on 58 minutes, Stephen Sidserf replaced Euan Conroy,and on 67 minutes Robert O’Donnell returned from suspension and replaced Nad Zeb.

On 69 minutes Alan McLenaghan made up for the earlier error with a brave stop one on one with the Neilston striker.

Two further changes saw Thomas Houston replace Jordan Dalzell and Austin Reid on for Calum McRobbie.

On 71 minutes it was 5-1, with Austin Reid turning a defender on the edge of the box and firing low into the net.

The scoring was finished 4 minutes from time with Ross McNeil’s second for 6 - 1.

The young Glens had safe passage through to round four at the second attempt and face another tough trip away to face division two leaders Falkirk on Saturday.

Glencairn: Alan McLenaghan, Euan Conroy (Stephen Sidserf), Lee Graham, Johnny Boal, Jordan Dalzell (Thomas Houston), Kieran Chalmers (Paul McGuire), Del Esplin, Wullie McCulloch, Ross McNeil, Calum McRobbie (Austin Reid), Nad Zeb (Robert O’Donnell). Subs not used: Ryan Bennett, David Quinn, Kevin McFarlane, Andy Bargh, Ryan Hay.