SLT lose penalty shoot-out against Glasgow Island
South Lochaber Thistle 2 Glasgow Island 2 Island win 4-3 on penalties West of Scotland Cup
South Lochaber Thistle’s poor run of results continued with a defeat on penalties to exit the West of Scotland Cup in the second round at the hands of Glasgow Island.
The Jags were actually in better form, playing the ball around comfortably. Glasgow Island were defending doggedly but couldn’t actually control the possession.
Between Dave Forbes and Cameron Grant, the midfield were well controlled but the Kinlochleven outfit struggled to put away their ample chances to leave the score 0-0 at half-time.
Early in the second half, Forbes stepped up to open the scoring with a thunderbolt from fully 35 yards out after the ball dropped kindly to him following a cleared corner.
Things continued to improve for Thistle as, only nine minutes later, they doubled their advantage. Allan MacLellan did well to get a shot away which the Island’s keeper could only parry and skipper Martin Munro made no mistake, slotting the rebound in with aplomb.
At this point in other seasons, the Jags would have seen the game out, but it was not to be. The visitors pegged SLT back after only three minutes to halve the deficit and then four minutes later snuck a second to level at 2-2.
Chances
The Jags pressed on and had decent chances to sneak the win but it remained drawn at full-time and went straight into the penalty lottery.
Munro slotted the first penalty while the Island’s striker blasted his over the bar. In response, Lewis Campbell missed for Thistle before Glasgow slotted home: 1-1 after four penalties.
Farquhar Macrae then missed his spot kick, before Island scored making it 2-1 to the visitors after six penalties. Although penalty specialist Sean Noble and Forbes both scored, the Glasgow Island men held their nerve to triumph 4-3 on penalties.
In response to South Lochaber Thistle’s third defeat in three games, manager Alan Gray said: ‘It was a much improved performance and we are playing some really good football.
‘The attitude and the work rate are improving all the time and we now will set our sights firmly on moving up the league without the distraction of the cups.’
Man of the match: Cameron Grant.
On a happier note, South Lochaber Thistle were proud to unveil their new home strip, sponsored by Mowi at the weekend.
Employ
Mowi has partnered with the Jags since their first season and employ a number of the first team squad, including veteran midfielder David Forbes, Andrew Martin, Cameron Grant, Shaun Hendrie, Calum Foxley, Bradley Cameron, David Horne and Craig Cameron.