Bannockburn to do it again

Maryhill Thistle .. 1 Bannockburn .. 1

Bannockburn will have to navigate a second replay in as many rounds if they are to progress to the quarter-finals of the RJM Sports Scottish Amateur Cup.

A second-half Kenny McLellan penalty kept Burn in the tie, with the return at Bannockburn on Saturday.

It was the proverbial game of two halves on Saturay thanks to the howling wind blowing straight down the middle of the park at Scotstoun.

The visitors started the sharpest and had a great chance spoiled by a great block by the Maryhill centre half when Derek Currie looked to have found Mark Taylor free in the box.

However, Maryhill started to use the wind behind their back to their advantage and looked to exploit the depleted Bannockburn defence but Gray in the Burn goal was up to the task with a couple of fine saves.

The homesters then broke the deadlock when a poorly defended set piece found a Maryhill player unmarked to header the ball home.

Shortly after the restart Maryhill nearly doubled their lead after their striker crashed his shot off the underside of the bar.

Bannockburn were then given the lifeline they need when a through ball from midfield found Mark Taylor who was subsequently brought down by the Thistle centre half in the penalty area amd captain Kenny McLellan stepped up to slot it into the net.

The game settled for a short period until Burn sub Andrew Dick nearly found the top left hand corner with a thunderous shot from 25 yards out. New signing David Cross along with Robbie Todd and Ross Cavanagh were sprung into action numerous times towards the end when Maryhill looked to grab the winner.

Special mention to referee Gary Train who had a near faultless game while Bannockburn would also like to thank Maryhill for their hospitality afterwards in the Thornwood Bar.

No winners this week in the lucky numbers draw. Prize next week £450.