Young keeper Mcneil on the spot for dream debut
RAITH ROVERS 1 Vaughan (61) MORTON 1
Raith Rovers’ debutant keeper Andy Mcneil proved to be the penalty shoot-out hero for the Kirkcaldy side as they progressed to the quarter finals of the SPFL Trust trophy.
The youngster produced a series of excellent saves to deny Morton during the regulation 90 minutes.
But he also blocked two penalties in the shoot-out to send his side into the quarter finals.
“I’m really pleased,” said Raith manager Ian Murray. “It was frustrating in the first half then we lost a goal just after half time but we responded very well and showed a lot of impetus trying to get forward.
“Full credit to the players for coming back, as when two sides from the same division face each other, the first goal usually wins the game.
“Andy did really well. He’s very confident and I’m delighted for him. He’s worked hard over the summer and been very patient. He’s got a very bright future with the club.”
The league form displayed by the two sides in recent times has been of a contrasting nature, with Morton flying high in the Championship play-off zone while Raith languish in seventh place as the season edges towards its halfway point but there was little between them during an evenly matched first half.
Both sets of defenders appeared comfortable in the opening stages but a mistake from Raith centre back
Ryan Nolan after 20 minutes gave Darren Hynes the chance to get in on goal but the Morton midfielder was denied by Mcneil whose strong hand deflected his powerfully struck effort over the crossbar.
Mcneil, making his first appearance for the Kirkcaldy side at the age of 21, was again called to action five minutes from the interval, producing a spectacular diving save from a Lewis Mcgrattan shot.
Raith midfielder Aidan Connolly has proved to be something of a talismanic figure of late, racking up eight goals in his last five games and when, in the final minute of the first half, he found himself with a clear sight of goal after being released by Jamie Gullan, he looked certain to increase his tally but his final touch let him down and the ball trundled out harmlessly for a Morton goal kick.
With both defences operating in a particularly efficient manner, the imminent prospect of a goal appeared unlikely but it arrived in dramatic fashion just four minutes after the restart, Morton’s 18-year-old academy graduate Alex King stepping up to fire a stunning 25-yard free kick beyond the helpless Mcneil and high into the net.
The home side were quick to formulate a response and, just after the hour mark, striker Lewis Vaughan levelled the scores, beating Morton goalkeeper Brian Schwake with a glancing header from Connolly’s cross.
Neither side could produce a winner in the time which remained and Raith, current holders of the trophy, went on to secure the tie 4-2 on penalties.
“I’m gutted that we’re out of the cup” said Ton gaffer Dougie Imrie. “I thought our performance merited a win but fair play to Raith, they kept going and I wish them all the best for the rest of the tournament.”