Gretna earn second round Talbot tie

SAM Atkinson was the hat-trick hero for Gretna FC 2008 last Saturday as they defeated Carluke Rovers 4-0 in the first round of the Scottish Cup.

The goals did not arrive until after the break at the John Cumming Stadium.

Anvils defender Stuart Douglas was first to find the net on 57 minutes after heading home from a corner kick.

Ten minutes later the same man gave away a penalty which would allow Carluke a route back into the game.

But, fortunately for Douglas, Anvils shotstopper Jim Atkinson got down quickly to make a superb spot kick save.

Three minutes later Gretna added a second as Sam Atkinson’s low drive found its way past the home goalkeeper via a deflection.

Just five minutes after that, Atkinson then scored his second and Gretna’s third with a sublime curling effort across the goal.

Atkinson then bagged his hat-trick late on after his deep free kick evaded the Carluke goalie and ended up in the net.

Praising his players, Gretna boss Vinnie Parker said: “The lads have done exactly what we asked them today. We knew it was going to be a tough tie and the last thing we wanted it to be was a cagey affair.

“I thought the lads were really disciplined. We kind of waited until the second half until we managed to pick them off a bit.

“I thought everybody played really well and showed loads of energy.

“The two Atkinsons played really well. Jim made a penalty save when the game was at 1-0, I can’t emphasise how big a save that was.”

Gretna were handed another away tie in the second round draw. They will visit West of Scotland Premier League outfit Auchinleck Talbot on Saturday October 25.

This Saturday Parker’s men travel to Broxburn Athletic in the Lowland League.

The manager added: “They’ve had a change of manager and they’re flying in the league.

“Our fortunes are due to change I think. We just need to keep working hard and doing what we’re doing on the training ground.”