Patience is the key for Athletic in cup victory
NEWTON STEWART ...................0 BROXBURN ATHLETIC ...............3
Broxburn Athletic booked their place in the Scottish Cup first round for the second consecutive season with a comfortable away win at South of Scotland side Newton Stewart.
A Greg Binnie tap-in either side of a Davie Greenhill brace was enough to see the Brox through with gaffer Chris Townsley praising his team’s patience as they had to wear down their hosts.
Townsley, who named himself in the starting line- up for the first time since becoming manager, said: “It was a really good performance and a fairly straightforward victory to be honest. We knew going into the game we had to be very patient because we were heavy favourites but you never know what’s going to happen in a cup tie.
“We dealt with their threats very well and the players stuck at it and eventually got the rewards their play deserved.”
The Brox went into the game on a poor run of form in the East of Scotland Premier Division but put that to one side as they swept aside The Creesiders.
Having squandered a number of chances, the visitors finally took the lead four minutes before the break as Cammy Ross teed up Greenhill from a free-kick with the veteran’s fizzing strike finding its way through a number of bodies before nestling into the far corner.
The second half was one-way traffic but they were made to wait until the 73rd minute to add to their lead.
Gary Brass saw his shot from the edge of the box parried with Binnie the quickest to react and tap the ball into the empty net.
Greenhill then put the icing on the cake with another fine finish from distance.
Townsley added: “We spoke before the game about just making sure we got into the next round.
“It didn’t matter how we did it, but we put in a good performance and that’s always pleasing.
“Newton Stewart really stuck at it and made it difficult for us but I think the quality showed in the end.”