Kilmarnock progressed to the fifth round of the Scottish Cup after a 3-1 victory over League One Montrose.
Kyle Lafferty and Mitch Pinnock struck for the hosts in the first half while Greg Kiltie made it three after half-time. Montrose got a goal back late on through Cammy Ballantyne but despite a late resurgence from the visitors, Tommy Wright’s side will play St Mirren in the quarter-finals.
Wright’s side progress (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
The hosts opened the scoring after just six minutes through talisman Lafferty after Montrose keeper Allan Fleming came out of his area. The ball was then chipped across goal by Kiltie and Killie’s main man finished clinically.
Montrose had their best move of the game on the half-hour mark after a great interchange from Lewis Milne and Ross McLean but Milne’s shot flew just wide of Colin Doyle’s post. The game was certainly lighting up at both ends with Pinnock hitting the side-netting as the game got more end-to-end.
Burke added Kilmarnock’s second before the interval in a blow for Montrose, who had played Partick Thistle 39 hours before this game. Montrose suffered another blow late into the first half as captain Paul Watson was forced off through injury.
Burke netted. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
There was a massive chance for the visitors to get back into the game early in the second half. It was spurred by Milne as he broke through with Doyle in the Killie goal but his attempted lobbed effort was gathered by the goalkeeper.
Kiltie made the scoreline 3-0 to the Scottish Premiership outfit after an error at the back for the visitors. A poor pass by Dillon back to his goalkeeper resulted in the clearance hitting off Lafferty and landing to the feet of Kiltie to roll the ball into the empty net.
Montrose scored a consolation goal to take back up north with less than 10 minutes remaining. Defender Ballantyne got on the end of a low ball into the front post and fired home. Here are three things we learned as Kilmarnock progress.
Killie getting results
Kilmarnock are now undefeated in four games as they battle for Premiership survival as well as remaining in with a shout of winning silverware. Montrose made them work hard for their victory but the Rugby Park club showed good character to progress.
Montrose show heart
The League 1 outfit put up a very good account of themselves in this last 16 tie considering they had played two games since Kilmarnock faced Ross County last Saturday.. They had numerous chances during the second half to reduce the deficit and will no doubt rue defensive mistakes.
Montrose impress. (Photo by Ross Parker/SNS Group via Getty Images)
Lafferty continues form
A goal and an assist came for the Northern Ireland international. His contributions have been vital in recent weeks and surely a new contract offer awaits having only signed a short-term deal earlier this year.
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