Match Report

Annan Athletic’s William Hill Scottish Cup adventure continued with another workmanlike performance against Montrose to earn the Galabankies a replay in a match where neither team could find the vital goal. It was a close encounter which sets up the replay for this Tuesday 27th November at Galabank.

It was however a game that Annan may regret not winning at the first attempt after a stunning strike from Owen Moxon rattled the inside if the post in the final minute, a lucky escape for Montrose.

It was a game that was always in the balance with neither keeper being seriously tested until Moxon’s last minute effort which would have been just reward for Annan.

Annan started the match well taking the game to Montrose and for the first 20 minutes Annan were in control of the game but without causing any real threat to the Montrose defence. The nearest either team came to scoring in the first half came on the 35th minute when Sonkur’s header flashed past the post.

Annan started the second half making a quick substitution with Aidan Smith replacing Scott Fergusson in the 52nd minute. Minutes later Sinnamon’s free kick fell to Ayrton Sonkur who failed to take opportunity with his effort going wide of the target.

Montrose started to enjoy their best spell of the match and Annan had to work hard to retain the hosts, Iain Campbell’s header in the 67th minute failed to hit the target and minutes later Annan had an escape when the ball was cleared off the goal line.

As the match progressed to the final 15 minutes the game became more open and Annan then opened up the Montrose defence in the 73rd minute when Chris Johnston’s excellent cross found the head of Tony Wallace who’s header into the corner of the net was chalked off for offside. It was a lucky break for the home team. Annan’s Aidan Smith was then presented with a good opportunity in the 85th minute but the poor finish made it easy for keeper Alan Fleming.

As the game entered the final minute Michael Bolochowecky was given a straight red for head butting Tony Wallace after Scott Hooper had conceded a free kick wide on the right. The subsequent free kick was defended and set up Annan’s final attack at the opposite end when a neat move down the right ended with Moxon picking the ball up and finishing a penetrating run to the edge of the box with a stunning strike which cannoned off the inside of the post.

It was the last action in a game where Montrose will know they are fortunate still to be in the draw, Annan’s big problem continues to trouble them, defensively they look solid but their lack of goals must be a worry. It is only half time with all to play for on Tuesday evening.

With home advantage Annan may feel that they are favorites but they will have to beware that Montrose will be determined to make amends for a poor showing.

The prize awaiting the winner is a home tie against Dundee United on Saturday 19th January 2019.

Montrose – Alan Fleming, Terry Masson, Andrew Steeves, Iain Campbell ( Danny Cavanagh 77 min), Sean Dillon, Michael Bolochowecky, Ryan Harrington, Patrick Cregg ( Paul Watson 80 min), Craig Johnstone ,Chris Antoniazzi, Liam Callaghan (Martin Rennie 54 min ) . Substitutes not used Martyn Fotheringham, Jamie Redman , Jordan Miller GK.

Annan Athletic – Alex Mitchell , Scott Hooper, James Creaney , David Wilson, Owen Moxon, Ayrton Sonkur, Chris Johnston, Ryan Sinnamon, Max Wright ( Scott Roberts 77 min), Ross Ferguson( Aidan Smith 52 min) , Tony Wallace. Subs not used Peter Watson, Tommy Muir, Kyle Bradley , Peter Murphy, Jonny Jamieson GK,

Referee – David Lowe Assistants – Joseph Lawson and Steven Traynor

Crowd 385