ANDGLENS GOTHROUGH IN CUP
Hat-tricks for Chris Duff and trialist Jason Thompson
Camb Rangers ....... 8 ThorniewoodUtd .... 0
Gordon Clark Cambuslang Rangers head into tonight’s Sectional League Cup encounter needing only a point to progress to the last 16.
The Wee Gers thrashed League Two opposition Thorniewood United 8-0 to top Group 13 ahead of their clash with Bellshill Athletic.
Chris Duff and trialist Jason Thompson both bagged hat-tricks on Monday night to please gaffer Paul McColl.
He said: “We did really well. We changed the team around again because we are missing eight or nine bodies. Nicky Moore is recovering well after his shoulder popped out in the friendly against Albion Rovers last week.
“Jason Thompson came in as a trialist from Wishaw and scored a hat-trick, he’s a good player with real pace.
“Lewis Kinnaird also came in as a trialist from Benburb at left back and was up and down so it was pleasing to see.
“The way we played against Royal Albert on Saturday, I told the players that wasn’t acceptable. And to be fair to them they pulled the finger out and were ruthless.”
This Sectional League Cup tie was in total contrast to Rangers’ opening day fixture when they were a trifle fortunate to overcome Royal Albert.
Home fans were expecting another tricky tie as Cambuslang were without a handful of regulars and Thorniewood normally provided stiff opposition.
And it was United who made the brightest start although they failed to get in any shots on goal.
The match swung Cambuslang’s way in the 15th minute when a cross from the left found Duff who slotted home.
Ten minutes later United shot themselves in the foot.
A terrible pass back was intercepted by Cambuslang’s trialist forward who rolled the ball home.
A few minutes later and the game was as good as over when the Lang’s trialist was on the spot to finish a fine move by coolly chipping the ball into the corner.
Right on the half-time whistle the Wee Gers added a fourth, new signing Craig McLeish picking his spot to score.
The second half was only seconds old when Duff fired home the fifth and then the Lang man was pulled down for a clear penalty. Wee Gers’ trialist netted from the spot to complete his hat-trick. But in the next attack he was injured and was replaced by Craig Hastings.
Cambuslang goalkeeper Iain Stewart, who was having a very quiet evening, but was finally called into action when he turned a well-struck shot round the post.
Duff then completed his own hattrick, firing in a 25 yarder that took a deflection and looped over the helpless keeper.
Jordan Morton completed the rout with a shot from 12 yards to send the home fans home with smiles on their faces.
Cambuslang play Bellshill tonight who can also progress to the last 16 with a win at Rockburn Park.
And although their league opener against Kirkintilloch Rob Roy is the main focus, McColl is keen to advance in the cup.
He said: “Bellshill have four points from two draws so they can win the group too. Saturday is the most important but tonight’s game is important too because there it’s a cup game and there is a place in the last 16 at stake.”