Clinical Milton take advantage of visitors’errors
Milton ................ 4 Doune Castle ..... 0 Doune endured a miserable derby defeat as a ruthless Milton side capitalised on a string of Castle errors, taking full advantage with some clinical finishing.
The defeat was even more frustrating for Castle as they more than matched their hosts throughout a torrid contest played in difficult underfoot conditions.
Milton made it 1-0 after four minutes when the Doune defence failed to clear a corner from the right and Kyle Henderson steadied himself before planting a 20-yard shot into the top corner.
The game’s complexion changed dramatically midway through the first half when Milton scored twice within a minute.
Firstly, keeper Colin Dormer miscued his clearance and presented Henderson with a clear run on goal.
He ran through to place a low shot into the corner to make it 2-0.
From the restart, a buoyant home side quickly regained possession.
David Innes missed a sliding challenge to give Milton a clear run on goal and with Dormer expecting a cutback, Kyle Murphy squeezed the ball home at the near post to make it 3-0.
Despite having enjoyed the greater share of the play, a shell-shocked Doune found themselves with a mountain to climb.
But Milton removed any possible hope of a Castle fightback when they made it 4-0 after 56 minutes.
A quick pass split a square Castle defence. Murphy ignored the Doune offside claims and ran through to slip the ball beyond Dormer to make it 4-0.
To their credit, Doune battled back and enjoyed the bulk of pressure until the end of the game.
Alan Inglis and Craig Sharp both came close on more than one occasion, but failed to crack a resolute Milton defence.
Milton held firm to record a comprehensive and deserved derby win. Doune were left bewildered. They knew that the final score line was a harsh reflection of the contest, but with the cruel realisation they had frustratingly contributed to their own downfall. On Saturday Doune are in East of Scotland Cup action with a home game against Kincardine who are unbeaten in Stirling and District Division 1B this season.