Tannahill were unlucky to find themselves out of the West of Scotland Cup today as they matched their Ayrshire 1st Division opponents for endeavour but ultimately two pieces of clinical finishing in the second half from the visitors was the difference between the two sides.

Tannahill started the match slowly, perhaps giving their opponents too much respect, but began to get a foothold in the game midway through the first half, spurred on by some solid defending and some neat play in midfield. Chances were few and far between in the first period with both teams failing to find a cutting edge. Glenburn did have a great chance with a free header from a corner, but failed to find the target. Paul McAlinden had a similar effort for Tans, but was unlucky to see his header fly just over the bar.

The deadlock was broken by the visitors towards the end of the half when the Glenburn skipper, who had been winning everything in the air, flicked on a throw in to find a team mate sliding in to net from close range. It was a body blow for Tans who had put a lot of effort into the first 45.

HALF TIME 0-1

Into the second half and the game really opened up as both teams went for goals. Tannahill had their best spell in an attacking sense in the first 10 minutes of the second half. Thomas Robertson twice worked the keeper with shots, cutting in from the left of the box, the second inparticular was an incredible save as Robertson sent in a ferocious effort. Calum Muirhead, who was outstanding throughout, also saw a powerful header saved.

With half an hour to go, the Tans management team of Ian Davidson and James Taylor rang the changes, introducing Matt Gribben and Ross Martin for Graham Morrison and John Campbell in an attempt to get a goal. It was Tans, though, who were caught out and conceded a second when a free kick was taken quickly on the left and swiftly crossed to Glenburn's unmarked no.11 who took a good touch before squeezing his shot just inside the left hand post of Craig Glen.

As Tans pushed forward in search of a way back in to the match, Glenburn could have extended their lead as twice their no.10 was sent clean through on Glen. Neither chance was taken though as firstly Chris Dunbar made a miraculous goal line clearance, then the Tans keeper made a fine stop. The Glenburn forward eventually got his goal when he looped a fine overhead kick into the corner from 10 yards to effectively kill off the game.

Tannahill to their credit fought until the end and came close again through Muirhead and McAlinden with headed efforts. Eventually with 5 minutes to go, Tans were awarded a penalty when Robertson was pulled to the ground in the box. Brendan Watt did his usual expert job from the spot to reduce the defecit.

So, good effort and a decent performance from Tans, but it just wasn't enough on the day. We wish our opponents well in the next round.

Tannahill (4-4-2)
Glen, Dunbar, Forbes, McNab, Muirhead, Watt, Morrison (Gribben),
F Martin, Campbell (R Martin), Robertson, McAlinden,


for photos from the match, click here