Largs knock out Knockentiber again!

Largs AFC kicked off 2016 with a resounding 4-0 victory over Knockentiber AFC at Inverclyde on Saturday, thus reaching Round 2 of the Donsport Trophy – something they thought they had achieved two months ago.

Readers may or may not remember Largs defeating their First Division opponents after a penalty shoot-out, which followed a 3-3 draw in November. However, despite the agreement of both teams and the referee, the decision to forgo extra time in the fading light and driving rain did not rest well with the powers that be, and a replay was ordered.

The fixture was Largs’ first since before Christmas and they looked slightly rusty in the game’s early stages. The first major chance of the match fell to the visitors when a move down the left flank resulted in the ‘Tiber striker having a free shot on goal.

Cunningham was not called into action, however, with the striker firing wide of the target.

After the early scare, the hosts began to settle and should have taken the lead when Tyler, having been sent clean through on goal, rounded the goalkeeper but shot tamely, with the danger being cleared at the second attempt by the visitors’ back line.

Captain Fraser’s afternoon was cut short midway through the first half when he succumbed to an earlier heavy challenge. He was replaced by Ian Riddell, who was making his competitive debut for Largs. The youngster got to grips with his role early on and made a number of timely interventions throughout the remainder of the afternoon.

With half an hour on the clock, Largs made the all important breakthrough. Some good midfield play resulted in Cockerill being released down the right wing. The veteran’s cut back was met by Tyler who made amends for his earlier miss by sweeping the ball home from 15 yards out.

Largs stepped up a gear around the hour mark and effectively put the tie to bed with two quick-fire goals.

Firstly, a throw-in from Hawkins – who, along with Hill, put in a tireless performance on the left flank – was flicked on first by Dunlop and then by Tyler, before landing at the feet of Alexander, who finished confidently from close range. The game had barely restarted before Cockerill, once again, was the provider as he picked out McGowan, who had acres of space in the penalty box from which to tap home for Largs’ third goal of the afternoon.

Largs were now in confident mode and putting together a number of fluid attacking moves. It was, however, from another set-piece that Alexander grabbed his second and the home side’s fourth goal of the afternoon when he headed home at the near post from a Russell corner kick.

Chris McMillan, Seamus Mackie and Gordon Wilson entered the fray during the second period, replacing Hill, McGowan and Cockerill. The substitutes played their part in ensuring a high tempo was maintained to Largs’ play.

Knockentiber pressed for a consolation goal but found the home side’s back line, marshalled by man-of-the-match Turley, in no mood to pass up the opportunity of keeping a welcome clean sheet.

The full-time whistle brought an end to a fine afternoon’s work for Largs, who now look forward to getting back to league business this Saturday when they travel to Preston United.

Largs would like to thank JG Sharps for their continued sponsorship, support and post-match hospitality.

Largs: Cunningham, Fraser, Turley, Alexander, Hawkins, McGowan, Russell, Dunlop, Hill, Cockerill, Tyler. Subs: Riddell, McMillan, Wilson, Mackie