CAMPBELTOWN Boys’ cup hopes were dashed last Saturday 13, October.
They suffered a narrow defeat at the hands of Girdle Toll United of Irvine, in the West Of Scotland Cup First Round.
Despite taking an early lead, the Boys’ lack of depth was apparent as two sloppy goals gifted the home side passage to round two.
The Boys shortfall in squad numbers was such that they had no substitutes to replace any injuries or tired legs towards the end of the contest.
Those Boys players present witnessed something rather extraordinary.
After three minutes, Alistair McConnachie crossed low from the left wing for Scott MacBrayne, yes, Scott MacBrayne, the Boys’ regular goalkeeper turned auxiliary striker, to shoot emphatically into the roof of the net, and give the Whisky Macs sponsored Boys the lead.
Blown away by the Boys lightning start, Girdle Toll should have been subjected to more raids on goal.
The home side were allowed to exert some pressure of their own, though the Boys’ defence was steady and composed throughout the first 45 minutes.
Increasingly during the second half, the Boys found themselves exposed, allowing the Ayrshire men opportunities to equalise time after time.
Only some excellent goalkeeping by Robert Coffield saved the Boys.
The nature of the equaliser, when it did finally arrive, was incredibly fortunate for Girdle Toll.
On 77 minutes John McCallum’s attempted clearance span horribly into the air, down into the net, evading the grasp of Coffield, who appeared to have been fouled.
Then, on 84 minutes, a Girdle forward left his marker, ran across the face of goal to glance a throw – in goalwards.
There was no way back for the exhausted Boys.
Tomorrow, Saturday October 20, the Boys travel to play the league’s bottom team Clydebank College.
An away win will see the Boys move into the top three for the first time since the opening weekend of the season.
