FOOTBALL — Comfortable Win Puts Blackthorn Into Cup Final

Blackthorn Rovers 5-0 Newark Thistle

BLACKTHORN booked their place in the Ridgedoc Cup final with a comfortable victory versus Newark. With both sides having won their first two group games, this was effectively a semi-final with everything to play for.

Blackthorn settled the quicker of the sides and, within 10 minutes, Jamie McCabe headed home a pinpoint John Harkin cross. Before long, the lead was extended as centre-back Andy Brunton ventured forward and unleashed a fine 35-yard strike into the corner of the net. Blackthorn continued to press as their Port Glasgow opponents struggled to find the form that had earned them victory in the earlier GM Cup meeting.

The league leader’s front two of McCabe and Smith, ably supported by Fry and McCurdy, looked constantly dangerous in the final third. The next goal was always going to be crucial and it came in the form of a deserved third for the Blue Brazil as McCurdy — beginning to show the form of last season — flicked past McCulloch from close range just before the break.

After half-time, Newark pushed to try and get back into the match but found the Thorn rearguard — fresh off their fourth consecutive clean sheet — difficult to break down. If there was any doubt about the result, this was removed when Brad Smith fired home his third of the season before McCurdy added his second to round off the scoring.

Thorn now face Chaplins in the final next month, date to be confirmed.

Thorn line-up: Koekenbier; Bradley, Harkin, McDermid, Brunton; Hunter, Jordan (Barnes), Fry (McAllister), McCurdy; Smith (Connelly), McCabe (McGraw).

Thorn are in Scottish Cup action this Saturday with a 2pm kick-off at Drumshantie Road, Gourock,as opponents Bellslea make the long trip from Fraserburgh.

Blackthorn thank kit sponsor Koekibar (www.Koekibar.com) for continued support.