GO FOR KILL NOT THRILL; Rabs sweat after struggling to finish off Vale.Byline: KEVIN McGOLDRICK JOHN RICHARDSON The name John Richardson can refer to:
The Adamslie Park Adamslie Park in Kirkintilloch, Scotland is the home ground of Kirkintilloch Rob Roy F.C. The capacity of this ground is 5,500, standing room only. While the facility is primarily used for football matches, Highland Games were held there in the past and some community events still boss watched as a 4-1 interval lead was pegged back to 4-3 before they eventually won 5-4 to book a place in the second round of the West of Scotland
But Richardson knows Rabs came close to paying a harsh penalty for failing to kill off a tie that should have been all over at the break. He said: "I told the players at half-time they must keep up their level of performance but they didn't heed the warning and slackened off. "That allowed the opposition back into the game and it's a lesson for the boys about making sure they maintain their standards for the 90 minutes. "Vale deserve a great deal of credit for the way they battled back and turned it into an exciting contest.It must have been great for the fans but it didn't please me. "Our opening 45 minutes were the best we've played this season, which delighted me, but we spoiled it by losing our focus. "We must make sure we don't give teams any encouragement to believe they can come back. "Vale are two divisions below us and showed great spirit but we are just pleased to be in the next round. "There are three majors for us this season - the league, Scottish Cup The Scottish Football Association Challenge Cup[1], usually known as the Scottish Cup, is the national cup knockout competition in Scottish football. The trophy awarded to the winners has the distinction of being the oldest national trophy in the world. and West of Scotland Cup - and we want to make surewe do as well as wecan in all of them." Rabs enjoyed a terrific start as Billy Jones blasted the opener past Matthew Carr after just six minutes. However, the lead was short-lived as Vale drew level through Dougie Wilson who headed home a Vincent Berrycross. The visitors could havegone ahead but Jack Buchanan's effort was saved bykeeper Kevin Bell. But the Kirkintilloch side went back in front minutes later thanks to aMichael Hughes lob. David Gray made it three on the half-hour and just before the break Hughes grabbed his second and his side's fourth with an effort from close range Vale restarted with a sense of belief and Mark Bowie reduced the deficit with a lowshot beforeasuperb Alan Hutchinson free-kick 10 minutes from the end set up a tense finale. But home nerves wereeased when a Dean Muir header made it fivebeforeBerrygrabbed Vale's fourth with a brilliant solo effort in the closing seconds. CAPTION(S): ROB JOY: Billy Jones is quick off the mark, main pic, to score the opener for the Adamslie Park side and shows his delight, right |
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