Boro fire seven past Falkirk, but treble hero Taylor boosts Pressley
Monday 23 July 2012 New Falkirk striker Lyle Taylor picked up the match ball after netting a hattrick but it was Middlesbrough who got their hands on the Ramsdens Trophy after emerging 7-3 winners in yesterday’s entertaining clash at Falkirk Stadium.
Falkirk’s Ramsden’s Cup success in April set-up this friendly against a Boro side sponsored by the same company. The pawnbrokers even provided silverware for a game screened live by BBC Alba. Former Bournemouth player Taylor opened the scoring in the fifth minute – when Boro’s Scotland defender Stephen McManus was temporarily off the pitch receiving treatment – with a volley from close range. Tony Mowbray’s Teessiders, however, responded with a brace from Luke williams and header from Grant Leadbitter.
Taylor added another two goals to complete his treble and level things at 3-3. But Middlesbrough got their hands on the silverware with further goals from substitute emmanuel Ledesma and Nicky Bailey. Former Celtic striker Scott McDonald also grabbed a brace after coming off the bench.
Falkirk manager Steven Pressley lost 28-goal striker Farid el Alagui during the summer but believes Taylor can become a fans’ favourite. He said: “I think he’s going to be a terrific addition to the group. Lyle’s completely different to Farid. He has more mobility and runs down the sides more but I am not going to burden him with any goal scoring expectations. I think he may provide more goals and I’m sure he is a player the fans will again grow to love.”
Partick Thistle lifted the ARR Craib Cup at Firhill yesterday when they defeated an everton XI 3-1 with Sean welsh’s double helping to see off the Premiership youngsters. Conor McAleny pulled a goal back for the Toffees but Stuart Bannigan sealed the win.
The Jags beat a Celtic XI 2-0 in Saturday’s semi-final, while Allan Stubbs’ Goodison youngsters went through by beating Airdrie United 2-1. Celtic secured third place by seeing off Airdrie 4-0 yesterday, with Patrick Twardzik, Callum McGregor, Glenn eadie and exDiamond Tony watt all on target.
Hamilton Accies beat english Championship side Bolton wanderers 2-0 at New Douglas Park, with youngsters Andy Ryan and Stephen Hendrie netting in the second half.
Livingston manager John Hughes’ trip back to his first club Berwick was a disappointing one as the Lions lost 2-1. Lee Currie scored a second-half double before Marc McNulty pulled a goal back, however Livi could not restore parity.
Rangers scout Billy McLaren watched Brechin defeat Queen’s Park 2-1 at Lesser Hampden ahead of their Ramsdens Cup clash on Sunday. Jim weir’s side were two ahead through Craig Molloy’s excellent strike and David McKenna’s tapin before the Spiders’ Owen Ronald netted after a mistake by City goalkeeper Michael Andrews.
Ayr United repeated the 1-1 score-line they had against Bolton in midweek when Glentoran visited with Ryan McStay giving the Honest Men the lead and Colin Nixon equalising from the spot. Forfar earned a 4-0 win at Huntly where Iain Campbell and Chris Templeman both scored penalties with Queen of the South winning 2-0 at workington Reds thanks to Nicky Clark and Kevin Smith goals. Michael Daly scored twice as Annan beat Spartans 2-1.