Kilmarnock 2-0 Forfar Athletic: Findlay & Burke fire hosts in fifth round
- Published
What a goal! Kilmarnock's Stuart Findlay scores cup cracker
Stuart Findlay's superb volley helped Kilmarnock beat League One Forfar Athletic and progress to the last 16 of the Scottish Cup.
The defender struck a sweet shot into the top right corner from 20 yards.
The hosts' extended their lead after the interval when two substitutes combined, Mikael Ndjoli setting up Chris Burke for a close-range finish.
But Forfar often impressed, matching the Scottish Premiership title contenders for large parts of the tie.
Thomas Reilly and Murray Mackintosh had good opportunities to score for the visitors.
Kilmarnock had to do without striker Greg Stewart, who opted to instead join Aberdeen on loan from Birmingham for the second half of the season.
The hosts' manager Steve Clarke refused to comment too much on the Stewart situation, saying he's "only interested in players who want to play for this club".
Iain Wilson returned to the starting line-up and impressed standing in at right-back for the injured Stephen O'Donnell and Ross Millen.
Forfar boss Jim Weir can be satisfied his players often looked composed and calm against a side two tiers above them, and one point off the top of the Premiership.
Kilmarnock manager Steve Clarke: "Stuart Findlay scored a better one in training the other day, believe it or not, and we had a little laugh about it, so it was nice to see him stick it in the top corner.
"I thought we were reasonably comfortable in the game. Forfar came and had a go and credit to them."
Forfar Athletic manager Jim Weir: "There was a 20-minute spell when I thought we would equalise. I set my team up to get the ball down and play through the middle of the park.
"Dylan Easton broke down in training the other night which was a real blow to us, because he entertains the fans. Unfortunately in that final third we just lacked that bit of self belief."