Win serves as perfect tonic

THE Black and Golds scored four without reply as they secured a comfortable passage into the fourth round of the Scottish Cup last Saturday at Galabank.

Buckie Thistle are a good Highland League outfit, but Athletic were professional in the way in which they went about their business and could have scored even more.

The hosts came within inches of opening the scoring in the first minute as they moved forward quickly and Tommy Muir headed just wide.

Three minutes later, however, Buckie had a great chance to put themselves ahead.

Lyall Keir found Kevin Fraser inside the box. He tried to curl the ball into the far corner but it sailed wide.

At the other end, on six minutes, Annan broke the deadlock.

The visitors conceded a corner after somehow blocking Aidan Smith’s goal-bound effort on the line.

Wullie Gibson’s delivery found Max Kilsby, whose attempt was saved, before Tommy Muir side footed home to the delight of the home support.

Following this, the Annan pressure continued, and they were unlucky not to double their advantage.

Tommy Muir headed Smith’s teasing ball over the bar before Zander Craik’s half volley was saved from a tight angle.

The away side did look dangerous on the rare occasion they were able to make a foray forward.

Finlay Allen’s strike was saved by Gio Clarke in the Annan goal.

More impressive play then came from the men in black and gold.

On the edge of the area Smith teed up Craik. His left footed attempt cracked off the upright.

Craik then showed good skill before delivering to Ryan Muir at the back post. But the Buckie defenders were quick to crowd the full back out.

Annan continued to dominate, although Buckie forward Allen had a header just over as the visitors ventured forward.

Another good attacking move from the away side ended with Josh Peters heading straight into the arms of Clarke.

Again, on 36 minutes, Annan came within inches of adding a second. This time Smith headed wide from Gibson’s corner kick.

And on 40 minutes Todd’s cross was headed back across goal by Charlie Maxwell before Tommy Muir headed over.

Athletic had a let off a minute before the break when Peters shot uncontrollably over the bar from just inside the box.

Annan doubled their lead three minutes after the break.

Gibson’s free kick was headed by Kilsby to Maxwell to Tommy Muir, who scored with a superb diving header at the back post.

Unfortunately, the goal would mark the end of Muir’s afternoon, as he injured himself in scoring when he collided with the post.

Despite this, the home side’s domination continued. On 57 minutes they made it three with the goal of the game.

Maxwell gained possession in the Buckie half, he then got the break of the ball and unleashed a sizzling strike from 20 yards with his right foot which swirled into the top corner.

And it was 4-0 on the hour when home substitute Myles Gaffney’s curling effort took a wicked deflection, wrong-footing Simpson and landed in the net.

The home side were professional in their business for the remainder of the period.

And when Keir burst through on goal, looking to net a Buckie consolation, Clarke stood tall to save.

• Cup victory has landed Athletic a dream draw away to Rangers at Ibrox. The tie will be played on the weekend of January 17.
• Meanwhile, the Black and Golds return to league business tomorrow afternoon as they host Spartans at Galabank.