U20 Colts run holders Well close in cup

The only goal of the game came just before half-time when Jake Hastie was deemed onside as he latched onto a long ball upfield and beat keeper Campbell with Ryan Milne just failing to clear.

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Cumbernauld Colts entered this seasons Scottish Cup in the 4th round for the first time in the club’s history after their outstanding run last campaign. But the young Colts were not given an easy task as the draw presented them with last years Scottish Cup winners Motherwell who sit one point off top spot in the SPFL development league.

The match got underway and the home side enjoyed the majority of possession in the early stages but Colts defence stood strong and limited Motherwell to shots from distance. Colts looked well organised and were working hard to keep Motherwell at bay and again the defence were standing strong and Colts goalkeeper Campbell made a good save on 15 minutes to keep the scores level.

The visitors were not shy in possession either, looking to get forward when possible and looked very dangerous from set pieces as Brown had a good chance to put Colts 1-0 up as the ball dropped down in the box but his shot was straight at the goalkeeper and the score remained level. Motherwell continued to have more of the ball and were delivering crosses into the box that Colts back four dealt with well.

Colts had a great chance to go in front in the game as McAllister volleyed the ball at the goal from a delivery from a freekick and astonishingly the ball ended up in the goalkeepers arms rather than the back of the net

With half time looming the match looked certain to go in level, but from a throw in deep in their own half Motherwell cleared the ball up the pitch and as the ball dropped over Colts back line, striker Hastie was deemed onside by the linesman and as Campbell was sluggish off of his line Hastie beat the keeper and scored the first goal that Ryan Milne was so close to clearing off of the line.

Half Time 1-0

The teams emerged for the second half re-energised and Motherwell had a couple of chances to go back in front, crossing into the box and the Motherwell midfielder controlled the ball in the box but fired straight at Campbell. And the keeper made another save from Hastie and Scott was unable to convert the rebound.

Colts settled themselves down and once again were restricting the cup holders to shots from distance and at the other end were creeping into the game in a more offensive manner. And as minutes ticked by Motherwell were beginning to become frustrated by Colts hard work as the game was getting more physical.

Colts again from a corner were causing Motherwell problems and after a melee in the box the ball fell to McKenzie’s feet 18 yards out and his shot went inches over the bar.

With the game entering its final stages Colts decided to freshen things up in midfielder as O’Hagan and McKenzie made way for Byrne and Flanagan.

As the game remained 1-0 Colts began pushing further forward in search of an equaliser that their efforts more than deserved. And Colts had their chances, Sheridan a driving force in midfield played a cross field ball to Byrne who controlled well and fooled the defender only for his shot to curl inches wide of the goal. As the game was drawing to a close Colts continued to push and forward Brown done well to out muscle the Motherwell defender to get on the end of a bouncing ball that he hit on the volley and was agonisingly close to the equaliser that Colts deserved.

But it just wasn’t to be and as the final whistle blew, Colts could walk off of the pitch with their heads held high and travel home with great pride in their performance. And as a club, Cumbernauld Colts are extremely proud of the performance and are excited to see the future of the club competing at this level. Bright years ahead for the Colts!

Full Time 1-0