Scottish Junior Cup First Round

IRVINE VICTORIA 0

MAYBOLE 0

By Stewart McConnell

THE last meeting between those two sides just three weeks earlier produced eight goals, with Vics coming out on top 5-3.

But this was a much more cagey affair with chances at both ends and both defences on top, so a draw was probably a fair result.

Now they will re-convene for the replay at Ladywell Stadium on Saturday, with all to play for.

Even at this stage these two sides look to be among the best in the District League.

In the opening minute Vics came close when David Adams was through on goal but home keeper Martin McCaulay made a superb save with his feet. Three minutes later at the other end a John Lowe shot from 16 yards was brilliantly saved by Chris Lamb.

As play raged from end-to-end an Eddie Ablorh shot from the edge of the box was well fielded by the visiting goalie.

Lamb then got down well to save a Lowe effort from the edge of the box in 22 minutes.

A good challenge inside the box by home wideman Sean Mears foiled Lowe in 24 minutes.

Lowe then beat two Vics opponents just outside the box before having his effort blocked by the home rearguard in 27 minutes.

A Callum Davidson free-kick from 25 yards was deflected wide by Adams in 29 minutes.

Mears saw his 25-yard effort well handled by McCaulay in 34 minutes in a tense contest.

A curling effort from 25 yards by James Cuthbertson was well saved by Lamb. Then Nicky Warren saw his shot from 25 yards saved.

Home goalie Lamb fingertipped a 25-yard drive from Lewis Gardiner round the post in 53 minutes and a minute later Aidan Connor sent a 22-yard free-kick narrowly wide.

McCaulay raced out to make a diving save at the feet of Adams in 69 minutes.

David Smith came close when his 12-yard effort, landed behind the goal between the corner flags.

Ablorh saw his acrobatic effort from 12 yards well saved by McCaulay in 77 minutes.

Singleton had a shot from 10 yards well handled in 84 minutes.

Lamb made a stunning save to foil Alex Bell from 25 yards in 89 minutes as the match ended deadlocked.