Although Kilmarnock manager Derek McInnes acknowledged that he could have to fight to keep winger Danny Armstrong in Ayrshire, he still thinks the 26-year-old would stay with the team.
The former Raith Rovers player calmed any cup anxieties at Rugby Park by scoring a brilliant second-half goal to put the home team ahead 2-0 against Cove Rangers of League One.
That was how the game finished, with Armstrong, playing in his 100th game for the team, adding to a goal by Marley Watkins shortly before halftime, as the top division team ultimately overcame their obstinate opponents.
Kilmarnock manager Derek McInnes still believes that 26-year-old winger Danny Armstrong will continue with the squad, despite acknowledging that he could have to struggle to keep him in Ayrshire.
The former Raith Rovers player put an end to any cup worries at Rugby Park by scoring a spectacular goal in the second half to give the home team a 2-0 lead over League One’s Cove Rangers.
In the end, the top division club defeated their resolute opponents as Armstrong, playing in his 100th game for the team, added to a goal by Marley Watkins just before halfway.
“I’m keen to keep Danny around. I hope he is. Behind any season where a team does well, there are key individuals. Danny’s stats don’t lie and he influences the games. He’s such an infectious player.” “Whether we can hang on to him beyond summer, we’ll certainly try. Because he’s a key player for us. He will continue to be that between now and then, I’m sure.” Armstrong has been receiving a lot of praise this term for a string of excellent performances, which McInnes admits will attract attention.
Killie was unable to pose a serious danger in their opponent’s box as they persisted in their bold approach.
Before they had a serious attempt at goal, in the 22nd minute, Watkins struck an angled shot that went just wide of the Cove goal. Ten minutes later, they were even closer when Kevin van Veen’s header from a corner from Liam Polworth ricocheted off the bar and into a safe area.
Two minutes prior to the half, Matty Kennedy, who was a constant for the Rugby Park team, had a shot that was deflected wide after a difficult run. Watkins opened the score from the ensuing corner, continuing his recent impressive scoring streak.
Not long after the resumption, Kennedy, the danger man, nearly doubled Killie’s
lead when he tricked his way towards goal and fired in a shot that cannoned off a Cove defender.
Rangers had their moments in attack, and the Killie defence had to be on high alert as they stormed forward seeking out an equalising goal.
Moments after replacing Watkins on the 80th minute, replacement Danny Armstrong extended his team’s lead, much to the relief of the home team’s frustrated supporters who had let the visitors too much possession of the ball in the attacking third due to some careless play on their part.
Armstrong demonstrated his usual strength by driving the ball low into the opponent net after Rory McKenzie provided a cross into the area from the left.
After two minutes, Murray had a chance to extend Killie’s advantage when he broke free on goal, but his shot missed the mark. Nicholas Suman then did a great job of clearing a shot from Kyle Vassell, but the hosts still advanced to the round of eight.
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