The Irvine Herald and Kilwinning Chronicle
Buffs cause ‘cupset’ against Wee Rovers
KILWINNING RANGERS .......................... 3 ...................................... 0 the visitors had Conor Duffy sent-off.
“I thought everybody was brilliant,” said Lamont afterwards. “In the first half, we didn’t play as much but in the second half we did well and were comfortable.
“The league is definitely the priority for us as we know a club of this size shouldn’t be in the First Division.
“But to keep the momentum going in the cups is something we’re happy about. You always want a cup run.”
Buffs boss Chris Aitken was full of praise for midfield maestro Lamont after he put the Lowland League side to the sword.
“The quality has never been in doubt with Mark and he knows that,” he said.
“I’m his biggest critic and I get on at him every Tuesday, Thursday and a Saturday but that’s the reason why I do it. He was unplayable and his quality on the ball was second to none. The freekick from him was top drawer.”
There were few goalscoring chances during a hard-fought first half. Rovers ace Bright Prince had a low shot blocked by keeper George O’Connor while, at the other end, defender Keiren Wood rifled an effort just over the bar.
In the 48th minute, Buffs took the lead when Lamont’s set-piece strike left Rovers custodian Ross Connelly grasping thin air.
Lamont was so nearly the architect of Kilwinning’s second goal when he delivered a low cross to the near post which Rovers’ Callum Wilson almost turned into his own net.
The home side did extend their lead in the 63rd minute when Lamont pulled off his Panenka after Corrie Fellows was penalised by the referee for fouling Millar in the box.
Rovers’ decent travelling support stood and watched in silence as their side slid meekly out of the cup with Millar sealing the deal in the 75th minute.
With 10 minutes remaining, Rovers’ miserable afternoon in North Ayrshire was capped when Duffy received his marching orders for a challenge on Millar.