Sun shines in Leith for Colts hopes of cup success

Cumbernauld Colts co-managers Craig McKinlay and James Orr

Colts, looking to repeat their Scottish Cup success over Leith earlier in the season, started well and got their reward with an early goal.

Stephen O’Neill broke forward, running at the heart of the defence, and good movement in front of him allowed him to slide through Sean Brown who calmly slid the ball underneath the advancing keeper.

Colts played some good stuff and created chances through Brown, Andrew Selkirk and Jonny Black before O’Neill was played in behind the defence only to place his attempted lob into the keeper’s hands.

But they were they were punished after 25 minutes when an excellent touch and finish by the Leith striker, taking a long diagonal ball first time inside Mark Batchelor, wrong footing him and sticking it low past goalkeeper Chris Fahey.

Colts though responded well and a good passing move saw Selkirk have a strike from 22 yards deflect for a corner.

O’Neill’s deep corner was met in the air by Jeff Fergus and Brown kept the ball alive in the area before the ball broke to Richie Kirwan who, from about 12 yards, fired low into the bottom corner with the Leith goalkeeper given no chance.

Jordan Pirrie broke up play well for the Colts and made very good use of the ball, giving his side consistent possession.

They had the chance to extend the lead before half-time when good play then excellent control and turn inside the box allowed Brown to find space for a strike from 10 yards which he was unfortunate only to find the side netting.

After the break there were half chances for both sides before Colts went 3-1 up when O’Neill whipped a corner into the front area where Jamie Barclay made a terrific run and bulleted home his header.

The scoring was completed when Brown wriggled past two defenders and crossed for Hunter to finish off from four yards.

Colts co-manager Craig McKinlay said: “We have been frustrated lately having been put out the Scottish then dropping two points last week in the league to Hawick so it was important that we put in a good performance and result.

“We certainly feel we got that and while there was a few outstanding performances collectively the team played to a really high standard so we have got to be satisfied with that.”