Cowie Thistle 9 vs 2 Beacon Rangers

Cowie Thistle 9 - 2 Beacon Rangers

Cowie returned to winning ways in their first game of 2019, as they continued the defence of the AFC Trophy with a convincing win over Beacon.

Cowie were in total control of the game throughout, with some impressive football on display and going close early on through Gandhi and Buchanan before eventually opening the scoring on 20 minutes when IRV somehow beat the keeper to a header for 1-0 from a Cran cross.

2 more goals came in the space of two minutes just before half time when IRV ran onto a McCombie through ball and finished and then BUCHANAN slotted into the empty net after a Lovick flick on beat the keeper.

The 2nd half was a continuation of the 1st with more Cowie possession and chances but then out of nowhere Beacon scored 2 quick goals with near enough their only attacks of the game on the 60 minute mark. Within 60 seconds of it becoming 3-2, Cowie responded and made it 4-2 when a superb cross ball from TJ was headed home by NICOLL.

Beacon then collapsed and Cowie scored a further 5 goals in the last 20 minutes, first when NICOLL slotted home a Lovick pass from the edge of the box, then MUZZY finished well for 6-2 after a mazy run and pass from Nicoll put him through.

LOVICK made it 7-2 when he followed up a shot from Smithy that the keeper spilled.

Cowie were then awarded a penalty when Irv was fouled by the keeper, despite Irv and Nicoll being on hat tricks, regular penalty taker Ronan took the kick but it was well saved by the Beacon keeper.

FOWLER scored the 8th when he headed home at the back post from a Lovick free kick and it was 9 just before full time when IRV ran clear of the defence from TJs pass and lobbed the keeper to complete his hat trick.

Very comfortable today but a great all round team performance including from the subs who all contributed.

Scorers today Irvine(3), Nicoll(2), Buchanan, Lovick, Fraser and Fowler

MOTM - Nicoll

Mon ih Cowie! ????????