Blackburn United 1 Rothes 2: Speysiders score last gasp winner to reach Scottish Cup second round
ROTHES secured their progression to the second round of the Scottish Cup after snatching a late 2-1 win against Blackburn United last weekend.
The West Lothian club's Scottish Cup first round debut was spoiled after goals from Fraser Robertson and Lewis Hyde silenced a rowdy New Murrayfield Park.
Rothes manager Ross Jack was delighted to see his side overcome a lacklustre first half to reach the second round.
He said: "It was a strange game. We knew how they would play and we were up for that and ready for that. They were trying to make history and it showed with them winning all the tackles and the headers. They did extremely well.
"We knew that our fitness and superior play would work for us and fortunately in the second half we totally dominated and although we left the goals late I was delighted to get the win in the end.
"It was a good all round team performance in the end and the subs allowed us to change our shape a little bit. I think the whole team got a lift when Jack Brown came on as well so I'm really happy to get through."
Blackburn United dominated the first half with their physical pressing and direct style of play. They were rewarded after 16 minutes when some slack Rothes passing allowed Andy McQuillan in to sweep home a deserved opener for the hosts from outside the box.
Rothes weathered the storm to reach the interval only one goal behind.
The Speysiders levelled the tie after the break. Craig Cormack danced his way into the box before providing the simplest of tap-ins for Fraser Robertson on 62 minutes.
Cormack almost gave his side the lead not long after, but he failed to keep his header on target from six yards out.
With time running out, it seemed the dogged hosts might hold on. However, a slick team move from the visitors ended with Hyde tucking away Brown's superb cutback to crush the home side's hopes of a replay in the last minute.
Rothes's tie against either Dalbeattie Star or Newtongrange Star away from home next presents Ross Jack an opportunity to make the third round for the first time in the club's history.
However, he isn't allowing himself to get carried away.
He said: "It's a long way to go yet. We beat Newtongrange 4-0 last season in the Scottish Cup. Dalbeattie Star have improved a lot this season as well. They're right up to fifth place in the Lowland League so that could be a really tough tie and Newtongrange have forced a replay against them.
"Either way it's not going to be easy. There is a lot to play for there though."
Rothes take on Clachnacuddin this weekend at Mackessack Park. A loss could see the visitors leapfrog Rothes in the Highland League.
"Clach have been on a good run," Jack said.
"They have recruited well and brought in a few young guys who look good.
"It's set up to be a tough game. All the games against Clach are tough games."