Recap

Match report

Colts’ first home game of the season results in a well-fought 2-4 defeat to Kilwinning Rangers on a soggy night at Broadwood.

It was a bright start for Colts tonight with the team taking an early lead in the fourth minute when a free-kick into the box fell to Jamie Semple, securing his first goal for the club.

With an early change seeing Bell replaced by Walker, momentum continued to build for Colts with another free-kick leading to a sustained period of possession before spreading out into a settled high-tempo game with both teams eager to find the back of the net next.

A clap of thunder echoed above the stands of the stadium, acting as an imminent warning alarm before a succession of corners led to an eventual equaliser for the visitors in the 18th minute via Murray MacKintosh.

Despite the difficult weather conditions resulting in a scrappy period of play and a yellow card for Jude Freel, Colts continued to look for an opportunity to restore their lead in the game, with the best chance coming from a shot gone just wide from Harrison Howe.

The fight continued with a dangerous effort from the visitors being dealt with before Jamie Semple tested Kilwinning keeper Dylan Brown with an effort of his own which was ultimately denied.

The visitors finished the half strongly, forcing David Wilson into a series of excellent saves and ensuring the sides went into the break level at 1–1.

As the second half got underway, Colts showed attacking promise early on before a burst of intense play called for the interception of a chance from the visitors.

Their persistent pressure paid off just short of the hour mark, as a clinical finish from Adam Fernie regained the advantage for Colts.

The 63rd minute saw a brief pause in play for a head knock, which resulted in goalscorer Adam Fernie being replaced by Jack Devlin while the visitors followed suit with their own substitutions.

The pause in play proved to be beneficial for Kilwinning, who responded with an attacking surge, mounting multiple threats in the box to no avail before an effort from Ryan Wilson proved successful in the 69th minute to bring the game level once more.

With 15 minutes left on the clock and in the interest of chasing a winner, Olly McDonald came on in place of Harrison Howe. An intense flurry of attacks between the 80th and 82nd minutes forced a string of opportunities which ultimately brought no resolution.

A tense closing spell saw both teams come close to securing an elusive third goal; however, it was the visitors, with Carlo Monti in the 88th minute, who, for the first time in the match, took the lead.

Less than two minutes later, Kilwinning’s Ryan Wilson went on to make the most of a defensive mix-up to make it four and cement a result for the visitors.

After 5 minutes of added time and despite showing plenty of attacking promise throughout the match, Colts were left empty-handed as Kilwinning claimed all three points at Broadwood.

Colts’ new Number 9 Jamie Semple was awarded his first Man of the Match for the club after picking up his first goal and assist in yellow and blue.

Full Time: Cumbernauld Colts 2 – 4 Kilwinning Rangers