Rothes make Scottish Cup history
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ROTHES made history with their first-ever Scottish Cup victory on Saturday, much to the delight of boss Steven MacDonald.
The Speysiders cruised to a 4-0 win at home to Highland League rivals Clach, breaking their duck in the competition after more than 20 previous attempts.
Their reward was another home tie against League 2 Annan Athletic, who were handed a trip to MacKessack Park in the second round draw an hour after the match.
Two Jaime Wilson strikes and one each by Ally Stark and Scott Davidson saw off the travelling Inverness side on Saturday.
Manager MacDonald said after the game: “I’m delighted obviously, as are all the boys in there.
“It’s great for the whole club and the community.
“It’s history been made and I think the boys deserved it. I thought they were excellent today.”
Rothes made a dream start when Davidson’s third minute corner fell to Wilson on the edge of the box and he promptly sent a volley flashing high into the corner of the net.
Stand-in skipper Martin MacDonald hit a post for the home side though Clach finished the first half strongly and also struck the woodwork when Ian Penwright’s effort was diverted on to the bar by keeper Robbie Donaldson.
The Moray side took a slim lead in at the break but quickly extended it thanks to a sensational strike by former Caley Thistle full-back Ally Stark.
The youngster took a Donaldson through in the left back position and surged forward at pace deep into Clach territory before unleashing a great drive from 25 yards inside the right hand post.
Clack keeper Douglas Maclennan went off with a back injury and his replacement Alasdair Maclean was caught out by Davidson’s looping cross-cum-shot which made it 3-0 on the hour.
Davidson also rattled a post and Ali Sutherland, making his debut as sub on loan from Elgin City, was denied by a good save before Wilson finished off good work by Steven Anderson to seal the win.
Rothes: Donaldson, Ballam, Stark, MacDonald, Milne, Maley (Wood 55), Duncan (Sutherland 62), Cormack (Neil 82), Wilson, Davidson, Anderson. Subs: MacLellan, Campbell, Christie.
Clach: Maclennan (A.Maclean 52), Mackintosh (K.Maclean 73), Finnis, Foggo, Webb, Robertson, Fraser (Beeston 58), Penwright, Leslie, Chalmers, Shewan. Subs: Dunn, Mackillop, Andrews, Black.
Referee: Darren Munro.
