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Match Report
  Kilsyth Rangers 0 Bellshill Athletic 2 - 16th February 2008
  Bellshill travelled to Duncansfield knowing that anything less than 3 points was not a considered option. David Nichols replacing the suspended Muir in midfield was the only change to the team who performed so well in last week’s narrow defeat to Glenafton. New signing, midfielder Sichi from Clydebank started on the bench.

The game started at a hectic pace with both sides looking for an early break through. Bellshill defender Murray was cautioned after 4 minutes for a trip on McStay as the referee showed he intended to keep a tight grip on the game. The Bellshill midfield began to dominate with Franchetti and McGeoghenan driving forward at every opportunity. A sustained period of pressure after 15 minutes saw the visitors earn 3 corners in as many minutes but the home defence stood firm. Stuart Boyd passed up a golden opportunity after 17 minutes as he raced through on Colquhoun but failed to beat the keeper.

In the 30 minutes that followed a hand bags at 10 paces scuffle that barely warranted a verbal warning, the Referee sent off Kilsyth defender Tough and Bellshill midfielder Nichols. Bellshill had the upper hand for the remainder of the first half but efforts from Coulter, Franchetti and Laughlan were not enough to beat the impressive Colquhoun and the first half finished goalless.

Tam McDonald’s half time talk saw a more determined Athletic emerge after the break. Straight from the kick off Boyd played Felvus in and his first time effort went agonisingly close. The 48 minute mark saw Bellshill deservedly take the lead when Coultar scored from close in following a fine build up by Franchetti, Laughlan and Boyd.

It was one way traffic now with Felvus striking a fine effort off the post and substitute Sichi going close with a left foot effort. Kilsyth almost equalised in 39 minutes when Kevin McDonald cleared the ball off the line following a rare Kilsyth attack.

With the clock running down Laughlin ran at the tiring home defence and was pulled down by stopper Gibb who was ordered off. Laughlan scored from the resultant penalty to seal a comfortable win for The ‘Hill.