Linlithgow book place in next round in emphatic fashion

LINLITHGOW eased their way into the last 16 of the Scottish Cup with an emphatic win over Cumnock, writes JOHN GIlMOUR.

After the long lay off, it was down to which side would shake the rustiness off first.

Linlithgow came out of the blocks best and, within ten minutes, were a goal in front. Gary Livingston twice beat his marker before firing in a low shot which the keeper blocked out to Tommy Coyne. He reacted quickly to drive the ball into the net.

After the break Cumnock pressed forward and, for a ten-minute spell, Linlithgow were forced back. However, Cumnock couldn't keep up that pressure and Linlithgow made them pay with a simple goal from John Ward. He headed home from a Livingston cross in the 62nd minute. Only ten minutes later and they had a third. Roddy McLennan stroked a great ball out wide to substitute Steven Manson and he left the keeper helpless with a fierce drive.

Then, with only a couple of minutes left, they added a fourth. John Adam took off on a solo run ending with a blistering shot high into the net from 20 yards to complete the rout.

Linlithgow: Pinkowski, Adam, Virgili, Ward, Wilson, Donnelly, Livingston, Smith, Coyne, McMennamin, McLennan. Subs: Bradley, Manson, Herd, McArthur, Flannery, McDermott, McPherson.

Cumnock: Fahey, Galloway, McMillan, Currie, Murray, Campbell, Wilson, Gold, Tyler, McDonald, McMennamin. Subs: Gordon, Stewart, Farrell, Moan, Cashmore, Barnes.