Played at Muirend
Weather: Fine

Scottish Cup 2nd Round:

The squad: Euan, Kevin, Michael, Tam, Anton, Joe, Leo, Tom, Liam, Paul, Mark, Dougie, Jack - Everyone played.

This game started at a good pace with County having most of the early possession, but Port Glasgow were fired-up and their 5-man midfield was standing-up well to County's pressing play.

With about 20 minutes gone, County's front men had already missed a number of clear cut opportunities - as they lacked a bit of composure in front of goal, but the scoresheet was opened when, after a typical winding run by Paul, he sent Mark clear on goal. Mark coolly placed a low shot past the keeper. 1-0.

County always looked likely to add to the scoreline; They went 2-0 up just before half-time when Jack slotted home from about 8 yards.

Although County's fast flowing play was not as apparent in this game as in previous matches, they showed some excellent moves, and their rearguard was very reliable once again. Kevin, Michael, Anton /Tom and Leo were solid in their defensive roles, but Tam Q was the shining light at centre back, always seeming to be in the right place at the right time, breaking up attacks and passing well out of danger.

The second half was a bit stop / start and the game appeared a bit flat at times, but County continued to deny the opposition any time on the ball, they also continued to fire blanks in front of goal, missing chance after chance. (At least they were making these opportunities, with Wingers Joe and Liam creating lots of space). Jack eventually settled the nerves when he grabbed the chance to send a low shot past the helpless keeper. 3-0

(Coach Hume had called from his holiday in Germany 5 times by this point!!!).

Port Glasgow then broke through on the right and their striker hit a long shot which was heading low into the corner of the net. This turned out to be one of the 'moments of the game', when Euan, who saw it late had to scramble then pounce like a panther to knock the ball away from goal, but the ball spun-up and bounced around awkwardly on the goal line before Euan finally got it under control once again.

The last 20 minutes of the game was a bruising period with some crunching tackles being put in by the 'Port' as they tried to repel County's attacks.

With minutes remaining Paul made it 4-0, turning fast and driving a shot high into goal.

Dougie was then brought down in the box earning a penalty. He took it well, the big keeper made a fine save, the ball rebounded into space and Michael was fastest to react making it 5-0.

Supporters' MOM - Tam. As noted in the match report, Tam was a stand-out and played his part just like a professional.

Coaches' MOM - Kevin. A rock at right back, showed great concentration and composure.

Coach's Comments

" It wasn't one of our most entertaining matches, but 5 goals and a clean sheet, we can't ask for more. In terms of improvement we need to keep working on passing, at times we tried to retain the ball far too long. Overall it was a very competent performance".

Scorers: Jack 2, Paul 1, Mark 1, Michael 1

Note.
Training this week Tueday night is 07h30 at Muirend.
The league match against Linwood Rangers on Saturday 20th has been cancelled next week. We are trying to organise a match. Keep a look out for you emails.