Whitletts Victoria’s League Cup campaign is over after the South Ayrshire side were beaten 3-1 by Cumbernauld United in the second round.
The New Voluntary Park team travelled to face the West of Scotland Football League Premier Division side with an extensive injury list and a reported illness affecting the dressing room. Manager Kevin Kelly said 12 players were unavailable for the tie, making the task particularly difficult.
Whitletts level at half-time
Cumbernauld made the brighter start and took the lead after 20 minutes. Jon Millerick got on the end of a cross from the left and applied the slightest of touches to send the ball into the net, despite Whitletts having made an early impression in the match.
The visitors responded before the break. A move involving Sam Ellis and Aaron Miller down the left released Miller one-on-one with the goalkeeper. His first effort was saved, but the ball continued towards goal and Ben Bradshaw slid in to ensure Whitletts were level.
The equaliser gave Kelly’s side momentum going into half-time, and the manager believed the visitors had a genuine chance of completing the comeback.
Late goals settle the tie
Whitletts were unable to turn their pressure into a second goal. With 10 minutes remaining, Michael Moffat was dispossessed in his own half, allowing Cumbernauld to counter. Substitute Archibald finished the move by angling his strike into the net to restore the home side’s lead.
Whitletts pushed forward in search of an equaliser in added time. Goalkeeper Evan Currie went up for a set play, but Cumbernauld defended the situation and broke quickly. Rory MacKay was left with an open goal and completed the victory by chipping into the net from 25 yards.
Kelly felt the result did not reflect the effort of his players, particularly after the visitors’ second-half spell of pressure. He also hoped the squad would begin to recover ahead of the club’s next fixture.
Scottish Junior Cup next
Whitletts Victoria’s next match is a home Scottish Junior Cup tie against Colony Park. The game is scheduled for Saturday, September 19, with a 2pm kick-off at New Voluntary Park.
The match will give the South Ayrshire outfit an immediate opportunity to respond after its League Cup exit, although Kelly’s selection options may depend on players returning from injury or illness.