Emirates Scottish Cup: Round 3

  Cumnock 2 - 1 Dunipace  

When drawn against one of the bigger names away from home in the Scottish Junior cup the absolute minimum a club such as Dunipace can hope for is a team of officials who will be strong enough to withstand the pressure that will undoubtedly be applied by the home crowd.

And travelling to Cumnock for this third round tie that's exactly what Dunipace expected.

With Gary and Graeme MacMillan restored to the Pace defence and Barry Rodger up front on his own there was a distinctly different look to the Dunipace side from that which defeated Muirkirk in the last round.

And it was two of the changes who were to combine to provide the opening goal after only 10 minutes. A Mcphail corner from the right was headed clear and as Cumnock pushed out Sean McCafferty slid an inch perfect pass into the path of Graeme MacMillan who had spun into the right wing area.

Such was the quality of McCafferty's pass, Graeme didn't have to break stride before sending over an excellent cross to his brother Gary MacMillan to power his header beyond the home keeper from 10 yards.

Just the start Dunipace were looking for as they'd set out to allow Cumnock possession in a 4-5-1 formation and attempt to stop the home side from creating in behind. And an early goal gave the visitors something to hold onto.

There was to be a moment of panic almost immediately after the goal though as the Cumnock striker went past Cullen in the penalty area and fell theatrically looking for a penalty. No contact and a clear dive which, to be fair to the official he never thought about giving. But there was also no yellow card for the forward who, like Tweedie later in the game from a Dunipace perspective, was fortunate to get away with the dive.

As the half went on Cumnock enjoyed the majority of the ball without really creating any chances of note, with Meighan and Graeme MacMillan between them blocking the home sides clearest opportunity before Graeme MacMillan threw himself in front of a drive from the edge of the area to snuff out the danger.