Ryan’s hat-trick fires the Pupils forward
PUPILS striker Ryan McConnachie notched three goals to send the Kintyre team into the third round of the Scottish Amateur Cup.
The McFadyen-sponsored side travelled to Irvine last Saturday with a squad that was severely depleted through injuries and suspension.
The players who wore the jersey didn’t let the club down, returning home with a well-earned victory against a side that was extremely physical in their approach to the game.
The match proved especially fruitful for young McConnachie, who has settled well to the rigours of Scottish Amateur Premier League football since his move from Carradale, especially as he leads the line for the youngest squad in the league.
The cup tie was played on a park described by a Pupils’ spokesperson as one ‘that closely resembled a region of the Amazonian rain forest’.
Given the physical stature of the opposition, the players could have been forgiven for claiming asylum but the young Pupils side stood tall and completely outplayed their opponents. The only mystery was the narrow margin of victory.
The visitors posted their intentions from the outset, scoring within two minutes of the kick off. A darting run by young winger Souden ended with a perfect pinpoint delivery across the box, the ball reaching McConnachie who scored with a firm header.
Although the Pupils dominated the early exchanges, in almost their first visit to opposition territory the home side won a penalty kick for a late challenge in the box.
Coffield in the visitors’ goal pulled off a great save, getting down quickly to his right and guiding the ball to safety.
Although in total control, it took a freekick midway through the first half for the visitors to extend their lead. McConnachie made the difference once again, giving the keeper little chance when guiding a perfect strike into the top corner.
As the second half progressed, it was more of the same, with the visitors on top and looking to extend their lead.
However, with 20 minutes left, the home side were thrown a lifeline when they scored totally against the run of play. It was a scrambled effort, but they all count and once more it was game on.
The revival lasted for all of two minutes, as from the next attack the Pupils grabbed what would prove the winning goal. Keith Mitchell sent a firm free-kick across the box, and when the ball dropped to McConnachie he drove it through a packed defence to complete his excellent hat-trick.
Broomlands never gave up and scored a second on the final whistle. Despite flattering the scoreboard, there was only one winner in a game dominated by the visitors.
The Pupils return to league action tomorrow when they entertain Ferguslie Star, who beat Oban Saints 5-4 last Saturday in Paisley. The match at Kintyre Park will kick off at 2pm.