Clachnacuddin exit Scottish Cup after manager Conor Gethins blasts ‘worst performance of the season’
A frustrated Conor Gethins branded Clachnacuddin’s second half performance away to Linlithgow Rose “our worst of the season” after Saturday’s Scottish Cup exit.
The Lilywhites manager felt the team lacked fight as they crashed out at the second round stage in West Lothian.
The 3-0 defeat followed North of Scotland Cup final disappointment just a few days earlier against Brora Rangers, leaving the Merkinch team to re-focus sapped energies on a so far promising league campaign.
“I don’t think the scoreline reflected the game, to be honest, but if you’re not clinical you don’t win games,” the Irishman said.
“The second half, for me, was our worst performance of the season. I wasn’t happy with it.
“In previous games, we’ve shown we can go and roll our sleeves up when we need to and get after them.
“But on Saturday we just laid down and accepted what was happening. That’s not for me. I don’t like that.
“You know what, it’s been coming? There have been a lot of lacklustre performances of late.”
Gethins’ feelings were compounded by the knowledge Clach had their chances at Prestonfield.
On one occasion, Scott Davidson tore through on goal but was thwarted by Cammy Binnie, while Connor Bunce and Fergus Adams also had openings they failed to capitalise on.
Bunce also had a penalty claim waved away.
Linlithgow made a 10th minute breakthrough when Greg Skinner nodded in a free-kick.
Just after the hour, Dylan Paterson’s penalty kick finish seemed to kill off Clach spirits and a Harry McMartin volley from the edge of the box completed the scoring.
“It has been a very tough week for the boys and I acknowledged that afterwards, them having been in a cup final and this round of the Scottish Cup,” the Clach boss added.
“It has been a tiring week for them. It will be good to get back to the league this weekend and we’re looking forward to a good game, a tough game, against Forres.”