By Connor Ryan
Rovers advanced to the third round of the Scottish cup after a David Wilson penalty late on saw them beat Brora Rangers 1-0.
Despite going down to ten men with Kyle Doherty being sent off for Rovers with 20 minutes to play, Rovers managed to keep their composure and grab the only goal of the game to secure the win.
The game was scrappy at times as a pitch inspection had to be called at 7.30 am due to heavy rainfall throughout the night, but the game was given the go-ahead leading to many slips and falls throughout the match.
Rovers made two changes to their line-up following last week’s 0-0 draw in the previous fixture against Brora Rangers, seeing Jordon Morton and Max Wright replacing Michael Mullen and Corey O’Donnell.
The game would start off quietly as both teams adapted to the bumpy pitch and would take until the 17th minute to see the first chance for Rovers, as Brora keeper Joseph Malin was forced to stop the ball on the line.
Further chances from Jordan Morton and great play link-up play down the right-hand side throughout the first half between Aaron Lynas, David Wilson, and Callum Wilson seen Rovers continue to threaten and stay on top of Brora. Max Wright would also see his shot cleared off the line after a David Wilson corner on the 29th minute.
James McGowan was the first Rovers player to get booked on the 33rd minute giving Brora a free kick in a dangerous position but it led to nothing as it was blocked by the Rovers defence.
Rovers would see a couple more chances towards the end of the half but would go into the break with the score remaining at 0-0.
The second half would start similarly to the first as little chances were seen from either side, but Rovers would see a big penalty claim turned down as David Wilson went down in the box in the 52nd minute.
The first subs of the game for Rovers would see Jordon Morton and Max Wright
Being replaced by Corey O’Donnell and Charlie Reilly just after the hour mark.
Rovers would then go on to smash the woodwork as the second half exploded into life in the 66th minute as Kyle Doherty found some space in the box and seen his powerful strike from a tight angle ricochet back out to Jamie Leslie, who seen his rebound shot saved well down low by Joseph Malin and put out for another Rovers corner.
Another penalty shout for Rovers was turned away again just three minutes later as Charlie Reilly burst through on goal after a terrific run and appeared to be pushed over, but again the referee didn’t agree with the Rovers appeals.
Despite Rovers again appearing on top throughout the second half, they would have to change up their play as they went down to ten men with just under twenty minutes to go, as Kyle Doherty was given a straight red after an altercation with Joseph Malin in goals following a corner.
With just ten minutes to go, Rovers would finally get their biggest chance to take the lead as they were awarded a penalty after some great play by O’Donnell in the box seen him brought down, giving the referee no option but to give the penalty.
It would be David Wilson to take the penalty and he converted it brilliantly as he smashed the ball to the left side of Joseph Malin, who couldn’t manage to reach it despite diving the right way.
Rovers would be able to hold out Brora for the remainder of the game comfortably as no more threatening chances occurred, giving Rovers a well deserved 1-0 victory thanks to David Wilson’s late spot-kick.
Jamie Leslie was awarded man of the match, and Rovers will now go on to face Ayr United away from home in the 3rd round of the Scottish cup on the weekend of the 27th of November.
