Complacency is Lanark enemy after narrow win

Sep 25 2008 by Andrew McGilvray, Hamilton Advertiser

LANARK United are the only club from 13 starters from the county junior scene who managed to overcome the first-round hurdle in the New Coin Automatics West of Scotland Cup.

But even they needed a penalty shoot-out to clinch a second-round slot – after cruising to a comfortable 2-0 interval lead and seemingly well on their way into the hat for the next round draw.

“We could have made it so much easier for ourselves,” sighed manager Tony McInally after the match.

“We were 2-0 up and coasting but we missed about 10 easy chances from close in.

“Craig Stark rounded the keeper then fell over the ball, Craig Miles and Kieron Downs had free headers six yards from goal, and Tommy Franch missed two from inside the six-yard box.

“We were streets ahead of them in terms of quality, discipline and formation,.

“However, complacency set in to our play and we nearly ended up paying the penalty for it before the end.”

Craig Miles pulled down a cross around the 15th minute and smashed it low into the net.

Then Tommy Franch was hauled down as he rounded the keeper, and Grant Cuthill slotted home the penalty just before half-time.

After Troon levelled, Paul Burns, Cuthill, Paul Airth and Franch netted in the penalty shoot-out, with Craig Brown saving the crucial fourth kick as Troon had blasted their first try over the bar.