Dumbarton Accies get Scottish Cup replay

Jan 29 2010 by Andy Galloway, Lennox Herald (main ed)

DUMBARTON Accies were ultimately content with a draw away to Gourock Thistle – but they could automatically have gone through to round six of the Scottish Cup.

Alan Ferguson gave them a first half lead only for the home side to equalise soon after, and the scores stayed level to ensure the teams face off again at the playing fields this Saturday.

With Alan Nicholson back from Australia, Accies had most of the possession in a first half which came to life just after the half hour mark.

Andrew McDonald’s corner found Scott Thornton, whose header hit the bar, but Ferguson bundled in the rebound.

But Gourock responded when a long ball was allowed to bounce awkwardly, which gave them the chance to cross and sweep the ball home.

The second half followed a similar pattern, although Gourock were creating better opportunities.

Accies shuffled their pack, and came so close in the dying minutes when Ferguson ran in on goal, but shot wide from 18 yards.

All agreed the draw was a fair result, but Accies boss Iain Howieson is looking for an improvement on Saturday.

He said: “We didn't play to the standards we were achieving before the break, but I have seen us lose this type of game before and am therefore happy to take the replay. We must do better this weekend, though.”

Saturday’s replay will kick off at 1.30pm, with extra time and penalties if the teams again finish level.

Team: McGillivray, Smith, C McDonald, Banks, Dooley, Nicholson, Ferguson, Baird (c), A MacDonald, Thornton, McHard. Subs: Docherty, Mullholland, Davie.

The Greater Glasgow team recovered from 2-0 down to earn a 2-2 draw at home Bannerman in the League Cup section on Saturday. Scorers were Stuart McGillivray and Marcus Dooley.

The under-21s also drew 2-2, away to Busby in the league, while the under-19s were 3-0 winners away to Barrhead in round one of the Regional Cup.

This Saturday the under-21s are at home to Glasgow Amateurs in the Golden Goals Cup and the under-19s visit Eastwood in the league.

The club is holding a Stars in their Eyes night on Saturday, February 13, with tickets costing £5, and a speaker night on Saturday, March 27, with tickets costing £30 for members and £40 for non-members. Contact Darren Pennycuick or Iain Howieson for details of either event.

Club training tops priced £15, bags priced £10 and hats priced £5 remain available for general purchase from Robert Porter.