Super-sub Jordan Jones scored a 91st minute volley to secure Premiership side Kilmarnock victory over League 2 leaders Dumbarton in the Scottish Cup.
Both teams came into this one on the back of narrow defeats in their own leagues. Killie suffered a 3-2 loss against Rangers, whilst Dumbarton tasted a 2-1 defeat away to Forfar. Killie, on the back of three consecutive games against the Glasgow duo, looked exhausted after two brilliant performances at Hampden and Rugby Park.
The home side made six changes from their loss to Rangers. Out went Walker, Alebiosu, McKenzie, Stokes, Vassell, and Doidge. Coming into the line-up were Hemming, Mayo, McInroy, Murray, Lafferty, and Robinson.
Dumbarton started the game brightly, not letting Kilmarnock properly get started. But they failed to create any clear-cut chances. After 20 minutes, Killie got into the game. The first chance fell the way of the hosts, with an Armstrong cross met by Joe Wright, but the defender failed to hit the target.
Dumbarton, to their credit, defended brilliantly. They limited Kilmarnock’s movement inside the box. But, as per usual, the hosts looked dangerous from corners. A few chances came from the corner deliveries, but to no avail. The score remained goalless at the break.
Killie made their first change at half time, bringing on Vassell for Lafferty. Like the first half, Dumbarton started brighter. They were threatening on the counter attack. Hemming was called into action after 52 minutes but could only parry it into the path of Gregg Wylde. Wylde had the entire goal to aim for and sent the ball into the away stand. Fortunately, the offside flag went up to spare his blushes.
With that, Killie made a change. Off went Murray, and on came Jordan Jones. The miss spurred Kilmarnock into action. Jones gave Killie a new lease of life down the wing and his crosses provided a few chances.
Killie added Doidge and Alebiosu with under twenty minutes left. Dumbarton looked to be eyeing extra time, as their keeper collected the ball, with the iconic time-wasting move of lying down with the ball in his arms.
As the clock struck 90, Armstrong whipped the ball into the box again. This time, though, it paid off. An attempted clearance of the cross fell perfectly for Jordan Jones, who volleyed him-his first goal since returning to Killie.
Dumbarton were desperate to equalise. But Kilmarnock kept the ball in Dumbarton’s half for the final few minutes to seal a place in the last 16 of the Scottish Cup.
As a game, this one was a dull affair. Dumbarton looked like a side from League 2, desperate to frustrate their Premiership opposition at every turn. Meanwhile, Kilmarnock looked like a side that had just faced three big games against the Old Firm-tired and lacklustre, whilst, as per usual, their finishing left a lot to be desired.
Dumbarton return to League 2 action next week to face Bonnyrigg Rose, whilst Kilmarnock travel to Dingwall to face relegation rivals Ross County.
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