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Locos needed a penalty shootout to secure a place in the Scottish Gas Scottish Cup second round for the first time in five attempts. The Railwaymen couldn’t make the most of a dominant opening period and the slender lead given to them by Paul Coutts was cancelled out with 15 minutes of normal time remaining. After nobody could make a breakthrough in extra-time, Locos wrapped up the win after three spot kicks.
With the Chuff Chuffs back behind the goal and an enthusiastic group of youngsters cheering on the home side, Locos made a bright start. Mark Souter’s header from a Logan Johnstone throw was too close to home keeper Owain Clark and Zack Ellis pushed away a Bluebell effort. Aidan Wilson then twice went close, Clark blocking his shot from a tight angle before he headed onto the top of the bar.
Locos were carrying a threat and took the lead on 35 minutes. Calum Dingwall’s free-kick from the right was met by a diving Coutts to head home from six yards out. Having got themselves in front, there was hope that Locos would make their dominance count but the chances dried up and Bluebell began to have more of an impact.
When the leveller came, it didn’t come as a huge surprise. Locos struggled to get the ball clear and when it was put back into the box, Reece Brown fired home left-footed. The hosts perhaps sensed a swing in momentum but neither team could find a winner to prevent an additional 30 minutes. Both teams tried to avoid a shootout but chances were at a premium in the extra period and neither goalkeeper was seriously tested.
There was a confidence about the Railwaymen going into the spot kicks – especially after victory in the Aberdeenshire Cup final in April – and that confidence was well placed as only the first three kicks were needed. After Coutts scored with the opening penalty, Ellis saved from Aiden Hendry. Dingwall and Cole Anderson confidently dispatched their kicks while Lewis McKenzie and Jordan Orru hit the bar and post respectively.
This was far from an enthralling encounter, but in cup football it’s about getting into the hat for the next round. Given Locos recent record in this competition, this result was especially welcome.
Next week we return to league action when Nairn County visit Harlaw Park for a 2pm kick-off.
