Holmes comfort as Wishaw progress
Derby win sets up Scottish Cup quarter-final tie
Wishaw ................ 1 Forth .................... 0 Derek Holmes got his managerial career off to a great start as he steered Wishaw to a 1-0 win over Forth Wanderers in the Scottish Cup fourth round.
Wishaw are now away to Yoker Athletic on Saturday in the fifth round, with a quarter-final place against Kirkintilloch Rob Roy awaiting the winner.
It was a fairly evenly balanced cup tie on Saturday, with a lot of midfield activity and hard tackling, which produced a series of knocks and treatment sessions that added around 10 minutes to the first half.
Both sides tried to play the ball in the midfield area to create chances, while striving to block out their opponents.
Wishaw created the better early chances as Dan Kindlan and Ryan Smillie twice fired narrowly past before Kindlan netted the winner with a low drive in 25 minutes.
Barry Mcgeechan replied with a 20-yard drive that flew a few inches wide, then Stephen Larkin forced a good save from Sandy Thomson.
It was also a bad tempered game, with Wishaw’s Neil Schoneville sent off just before half-time, while Forth’s Mcgeechan got his marching orders late on.
New Wishaw manager Derek Holmes said: “It was a tough game – Forth made it very difficult.
“The lads haven’t played a competitive game for a long time, but I thought their application and build-up rate was phenomenal.
“The boys worked hard in positions and got a few chances – Dan Kindlan got an opportunity and took it well, and thankfully that was the winning goal.”
Forth boss Jamie Mckenzie said: “Ultimately I’m disappointed to go out of the cup, but I think you have to give full credit to Wishaw.
“We tried to tie them down, but ran out of ideas.
“I said to the players not to feel sorry for themselves, to come in on Monday with a smile on their faces ready to work again.
“We still have 20 games to play and create a challenge in a very competitive league.”
Meanwhile, the Central League Cup dominates fixtures this weekend, with four clubs having home ties in the first round, while three of the four clubs in second round games are on the road.
Home first round ties are at Forth (v St Anthony’s), Lanark United (v Maryhill), Newmains United (v Cambuslang Rangers) and Shotts Bon Accord (v Gartcairn). Blantyre Vics are at Neilston.
In the second round, Thorniewood United are at home to Carluke Rovers while Larkhall Thistle are away to Johnstone Burgh, Lesmahagow are at Rossvale, and Royal Albert visit Vale of Leven.