Dumbarton Accies make it through in cup

Nov 7 2008 by Laura McLachlan, Lennox Herald (main ed)

DUMBARTON Academy FPs progressed to the third round of the West of Scotland Cup this weekend – but looked far from a cup-winning side.

A positive start by Accies saw them with the majority of chances, and their luck seemed to be in when they were awarded a penalty in 20 minutes.

Alan Nicholson reacted quickly to a ball dropping inside Drumchapel's penalty area, only to be upended by his opposing midfield counterpart.

Tom McHard stepped up to take the penalty, but to the travelling support’s disbelief, the United keeper made a great save.

With half time fast approaching, it was Accies who opened the scoring.

A clearance reached McHard, who excellently brought the ball down with his chest before turning to face goal and sliding a pass into the box for the incoming Andy McDonald who rolled the ball past the keeper.

Drumchapel were clearly stung by the goal and they emerged determined in the second half. It didn’t take long before they got their reward with the leveller.

A cross to the back post was not defended, and the Drumchapel attacker headed home from five yards

Accies were clearly on the back foot in these opening second half exchanges, but McHard had a good chance 10 minutes in when his attempt to lob the onrushing keeper produced a finger-tip save.

This chance seemed to spur Accies back to life, and on the hour a poor pass from a Drumchapel midfielder fell to Alan Ferguson.

Ferguson attacked the opposition left flank and swept a great cross into the path of McHard who finished well.

To their credit, Drumchapel came back at Accies again with a 66th minute chance just going wide.

With 10 minutes to go, Accies should have sealed the game. Substitute Daniel McCuaig ran clear of the Drumchapel defence.

From a wide angle and with two Accies forwards completely unmarked in the middle, McCuaig chose to shoot for goal, only to miss the target.

Accies manager Iain Howieson said after the game: "Whilst I am happy that we are through to the next round, I don't think we played well today.

“We played against a team who played to their strengths, but we didn't do likewise. That said, to come to Drumchapel and win when we haven't played well shows character".

Accies next travel to take on Gourock Athletic away in the third round. 2pm kick off.

Accies: A McGillvray (c), S McGillivray, M O'Neill, D Banks, M Docherty, C McDonald, A Ferguson, A Nicholson, T McHard, D Readie, A McDonald. Subs : G Baird, A Hutchieson, D McCuaig.