Pumpherston 2, Sauchie Juniors 3
SAUCHIE avoided a fright with a narrow victory over Pumpherston to see them progress to the next round of the East of Scotland League Cup.
When the draw was made for this cup tie, there was a degree of optimism surrounding the Clackmannanshire side’s camp, being the competition's reigning champions having lifted the trophy less than 12 months before.
This was before the resignation of long-term manager Fraser Duncan and his backroom staff and the departure of three key players: Rhys Caves, Ross Kavanagh and Lucas Williamson, all of whom had moved to Camelon just the day before.
Nonetheless, interim-manager Jon Tully and his players travelled just under 28 miles to West Lothian and their opponent's ground.
Changes were made from last weekend’s starting eleven at Whitburn, Sam Collumbine came in from the start, Sean Robertson took his place between the sticks, a first since mid-December, calls for under 20’s starlets Tom Harrison and Scott Robertson.
The most notable inclusion was midfielder Ciaren Chalmers, who was given only his third start in a Sauchie jersey after sitting on the sidelines with an injury for more than seven months.
A fast start for the visitors, two chances for Finn Malcolm but not enough to get the game’s opening goal.
Harry Brash of the hosts had provided a through ball for Darren MacGregor, which was deemed offside, but Robertson played to the whistle, pulling off a fantastic save.
Paul Simpson caused some bother in the middle of the park, drawing fouls following good footwork, but his set-pieces showed no sign of danger.
The winger would also have a chance in open play as he shot saw over the bar, coming from an intercepted ball from Collumbine after a poor goalkick from Callum MacDonald.
Following a tackle on Connor Willaghan on the far side, Simpson delivered the resulting free kick into the box and picked out Scott Davidson, the captain heading home from close range.
Simpson was once again the provider, giving a through ball for Malcolm to run onto before the striker slotted past the opposition goalkeeper, providing Sauchie with a two goal cushion in the space of a minute.
There was a chance for Simpson to get on the scoresheet in his own right, but this effort was disposed of by Jake McCreadie, who cleared off the line.
Pumpherston found themselves with a goal back, Kieran Rafferty scoring from close range following a failed clearance from Chalmers.
Brash equalised no less than two minutes later from 12 yards, a penalty kick tucked away with ease having been fouled in the box by young Harrison.
Tully described his team talk during the break: “Half time was a very vocal 15 minutes, shall we say, with myself making sure they understand the standards that have been set and what are demanded.
"The players were in discussions with each other on how to sort out the errors that were creeping into the game.
"Which, for me, is good to see that they are as passionate about winning as I am.”
Greg Redmond provided the first attack of the second half but his cross into the box was cleared by substitute Jack Thomson.
Willaghan burst forward from his half, making a surging run from the right back in the middle of the park, but the keeper denied him a chance in front of goal.
MacDonald would be called upon again as Brian Morgan would knock a ball forward for Malcolm, but once again, the goalkeeper was the fastest to react, this time with the help of his captain, Darren Smith.
Following another run from Willaghan, this time down his favoured right hand side, he would cross a ball into the box for a waiting Morgan to head home into an empty net.
Looking to build another cushion, Sauchie piled on the pressure as they searched for their fourth goal, a chance firstly coming for Danny Smith and the Malcolm again but both were dealt with.
In the game's final action, Malcolm took MacDonald off his goalline and dragged his subsequent shot wide of the mark.
Shortly after, the match referee sounded his whistle, signalling the end of the game. All connected with Sauchie Juniors breathed a sigh of relief, knowing the side was through and in the draw for the next round.
Tully continued: “I thought we started really lively creating chances, and causing a lot of problems, which got us our two goals in ways we’ve worked on this week so that was good to see.
"Then, typical of this side this year, when in total control, we switch off and two mistakes later, we are then drawing two each, that can’t happen.”
Also, regarding the player movements, he said: “We spoke to players before the game about all the movement during the week and explained that in football, players come and go; it’s just how it works.
"Yes, quality players have left, but quality players will also come in.
“All the players know the club is in a transitional period just now and we have explained ‘It’s a fresh start for you, so go prove to everyone that you are here for the change and want to be part of the future of this fantastic club.
"We are already in talks with players from other clubs to come in and not only replace the spaces available but also add to the quality of the squad.”
Sauchie Juniors: Se. Robertson, Willaghan, Harrison, Sc. Davidson, Collumbine (Griffiths 90’), Simpson (Comrie 56’), Smith, Sc. Robertson (Thomson 46’), Chalmers (Sa. Davidson 46’), Malcolm, Morgan
Substitutes Not Used: Burt
Advertiser Sport Man of the Match (Brian Morgan): Sometimes all a game of football needs is a moment, and it was Brian Morgan who delivered this game’s moment. In a game that looked like it was heading for an impasse and a certainty for extra-time, Morgan sealed the win for his team with his first goal since returning to the club in November last year.
Sauchie Juniors’ next game sees them return to league duty on Saturday 15th March as they welcome Edinburgh University to Beechwood Park for a 2:30 pm kick-off.
The date for the second-round draw has yet to be determined, but it is noted that the fixture will take place on Saturday March 29.
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