FOOTBALL — Cup Win Means Treble Secured For Blackthorn RoversBlackthorn 5-1 Sporting Lithgows
Blackthorn scorers: Brad Smith (2) Jamie McCabe, Andy Brunton; own goal
HAVING secured the Greenock and District Welfare League title and the earlier contested Ridgedoc Cup, Blackthorn achieved the treble with an emphatic victory in the McD-76 Cup Final.
Lithgows enjoyed the best of the opening minutes with stopper Les Koekenbier called into action on a couple of occasions but, with 12 minutes on the clock, Blackthorn took the lead when McGraw’s fine cross was headed home by front man Jamie McCabe.
‘Thorn looked to push on but were pegged back when Brunton was adjudged to have barged Darren McColl on the edge of the box and a penalty was awarded with the ‘Thorn defence claiming the foul was outside the area.
Docherty stepped up from the spot and saw his penalty saved by Flying Dutchman Koekenbier but the taker was on hand to convert the rebound. With the score levelled, Brad Smith came to life and, before long, he put Blackthorn ahead, firing home following a neat one-two with strike partner McCabe.
With half-time approaching, Smith grabbed his second to extend the lead. ‘Thorn looked in control but knew that the next goal would be crucial against a talented Lithgows side.
However, within 10 minutes of the restart, Sporting’s task became even tougher as Docherty received his second yellow card of the evening. To their credit, Lithgows battled well after the sending off but, with 15 minutes remaining, ‘Thorn centre-back Andy Brunton rose to head home his 11th goal of the season ending any chance of a comeback.
In the closing minutes, Rovers added a fifth to pad the scoreline as Smith flashed the ball across goal towards substitute Cameron and the Lithgows centre-back diverted the ball into his own net.
Overall, this was a fine victory for the Blue Brazil against a strong Lithgows side and attention will now turn to the one remaining cup competition with the chance of a quadruple.
Andy Brunton picked up the man of the match award and Brad Smith deserves a special mention for his best performance of the season.
Blackthorn line-up: Koekenbier; McNeil (McAllister), Harkin, Wiggins, Brunton; Hunter, Jordan (Barnes), Bradley (Cameron), McGraw; McCabe (McCurdy), Smith (Mullen).
Blackthorn thank kit sponsor Koekibar (www.Koekibar.com) and general sponsor McD-76 Personlised Gifts for continued support
