Colts Exit Cup At First Hurdle

Kinross Colts 1 Kennoway AFC 2

Man of the Match: Davie Byrne

Kinross Colts bowed out of the Scottish Cup at the first stage with more of a whimper with a disappointing display, on a day that normally builds the excitement of a Cup run in a prestigious competition.

In truth, once the visitors had taken a 9th minute lead, the game already seemed over as the visiting keeper had a quiet afternoon and was seldom troubled. Ryan Armour had given the Kennoway the lead after a defensive slip poking home from close range.

Rory Marshall had the best of the home side’s few chances when he met a short corner to fire a shot that was deflected over for another corner, whilst the visitors rattled the woodwork twice with a great effort from Band and a free kick from Lindsay.

Marshall again went close early in the second half with a header cleared off the line, whilst at the other end Mark Robertson pulled off a brilliant save to push away a shot heading to the top corner.

Kennoway missed two great chances to extend the lead when Lindsay blasted over when he had beaten the offside trap, and substitute Lumsden rounded Robertson but seemed to take too much time and the Colts defence recovered to clear the danger.

The visitors looked to have put the game to bed in the 81st minute when Band scored with a spectacular shot on the volley from distance that would surely be a contender of Goal of the Season.

But just like last week against Lumphinnans, moments after the other team score, you can rely on Ryan Campbell to score. This time an excellent direct free kick into the top left and corner, it was an excellent strike but was too little too late and, despite a (finally) raised tempo, an equaliser could not be found in the closing minutes of the game.

Overall, a very disappointing and low-key performance from the Colts. If they want to progress this season, they will need to put in a more committed and hard-working display throughout the squad.