Jags advance in the CIS Cup

Last updated : 25 August 2004 By Chris Gallagher

A clinical first half performance eased the in-form Jags into the last 16 of the CIS Insurance Cup.

A money spinning third round tie against one half of the old firm (or probably Albion Rovers in a money losing clash at Cliftonhill) now awaits for a Thistle side that passed up a number of chances including a missed penalty from the ever-impressive Juan Roman Escalas.

It was a tie, which threatened problems. Stenny had blasted 14 goals in their previous 3 matches conceding only once, and had appeared to be a reinvigorated side under new boss ex Jag Des McKeown.

The old boys contingent was out in show as two former Thistle ‘stalwarts’ Paul McGrillen and John Paul McBride also lined up for the Warriors.

However, the first half proved that Stenny didn’t have the stomach for the battle as the 1st Division title chasers romped into a three-goal lead.

It was a case of unlucky thirteen minutes gone for the Scottish Third Division outfit as the visitors swept forward and after Andy Dowie’s header had thumped against the bar Billy Gibson was on hand to convert the rebound.

On 20 minutes it was two. Escalas ghosted through the home defence and buried his 6th goal of the season after a defence splitting pass by Willie Howie.

The Spaniard has set himself a target of 20 goals this season but with a record of a goal a game and only 16 strikes left to go it looks like no-Juan can stop him surpassing this and netting even more.

The battle was over for the warriors in 37 minutes when Robbie Henderson’s handling offence allowed Derek Fleming to convert number three from the spot.

With the hosts stumbling around like wounded soldiers the Jags should have finished the war just after the interval when Billy Gibson was upended in the area.

The subsequent penalty award offered Escalas the chance to grab a magnificent seventh goal of the season from the penalty spot.

Surprisingly the Jags no 1 marksman fired blanks on this occasion, pulling the trigger but taking out the notice board instead of the back of the net.

Suddenly the white flag was withdrawn and the Ochilview side launched a spirited counter offensive. A past deserter Paul McGrillen fired past Kenny Arthur from 15 yards.

Treachery it seemed was the order of the day as another ex comrade John Paul McBride launched an aerial offensive crossing for Joe Savage to head home a second.

But soon the Jags would launch a ground assault, which settled this war. Sharpshooter Leigh Hinds a recent conscript from the north netted a late brace and sent the red and yellow army forth in pursuit of greater enemies.

STENHOUSEMUIR--McCulloch, Knox, McInally, Murphy (Davidson 62), Henderson, McBride, Lauchlan, Collins, Savage, Kerrigan (Fallon 62), McGrillen. Subs: McGregor, Sinclair, McKeown.

PARTICK TH - Arthur, Gibson (Fulton 89), Milne (Anis 61), Murray, Dowie, Williamson, Howie, Fleming, Escalas (One 88), Hinds, Panther. Subs - Ross, Pinkowski.

Referee - J Rowbotham

Big Match Reaction

Derek White last night praised the stunning first half showing, which took his Partick side into the CIS Cup Round 3

The Co Boss said: "I thought the first half we were excellent, scored three good goals and were well on top in the game.

“We lost concentration after missing the penalty and allowed them to creep back into it, sloppy from our point of view.

“I didn't really think that they had us under any real pressure but we stepped it up near the end and we were comfortable.

“I thought Leigh Hinds, who scored the two late goals, was brilliant tonight, he had his best game since coming to the club.

“He seems to be near to full fitness now and I thought he was the man of the match by a mile. I thought Willie Howie performed really well too."

Des McKeown said: 'I was proud of my players - it was a great response from them in the second half."