Shotts go through after shoot-out

Oct 21 2009 by Andrew Weston, Wishaw Press

SHOTTS Bon Accord progressed to the second round of the West of Scotland Cup with a 4-3 penalty shoot-out victory over St Anthony’s after 120 minutes of action left the sides level at two-apiece.

Shotts took the game to the Ants right from the kick-off.

It wasn't long before St Ant’s Mark Ritchie was in the book for the second of two crude challenges within as many minutes. Shortly afterwards Shotts were in the lead.

Scholesy whipped in a perfect cross from the left for Mark Duffy to head home.

Less than a minute later, Saints Ross Cumming managed to break free with only Euan Gray to beat but the goalkeeper swatted his effort clear for a corner.

Undeterred, Shotts continued to progress and after another cross from the left and a failed clearance attempt, John Boyack smashed home from 12 yards.

Unfortunately for them, Ross Cumming changed the match 10 minutes from half-time.

His sublime turn and volley at the edge of the box left Gray with no chance.

Most of the second half was a slog, with the Ants having more of the play without looking too much of a threat.

That changed with half an hour to go when the hosts beat the offside trap and Cumming grabbed his second of the day.

Very little happened in extra time until the closing minutes when home midfielder Gary McGrath was sent off for dissent.

In the penalty shoot-out, Mark Duffy whacked home the first, as did the St Anthony’s player, and then Miller's effort hit the inside of the post for Shotts but the ball came back out.

Then followed two good penalties from either side (McStay and Barker for Shotts) before a home player’s effort hit the bar and dropped on the goal line.

John Boyack then made no mistake to put Shotts back into the lead.

Abou Mansare, who has been peerless in both fixtures between the sides this season, amazingly saw his effort saved by Gray as Bon Accord booked their place in round two.