Coupar defeat on their home ground

Coupar Angus Juniors suffered a narrow 3-2 defeat at home at East Craigie on Saturday.

Fine work down the right wing by debutant striker Stuart Banks ended with a cross for Ross Nicholson to finish off at the back post in the second minute for the hosts.

The second goal came in the 18th minute, with Banks smashing a powerful shot which gave the East Craigie keeper no chance.

Banks’ afternoon took a downward turn when he received two bookings in quick succession and was ordered off.

The second yellow proved controversial as Coupar claimed it was a case of mistaken identity – with team-mate Ross Wilson the actual offender.

The dismissal spurred East Craigie on and they quickly took advantage of the extra man, scoring two breakaway goals to make it all even at half-time.

The visitors then added a third just after the hour mark after a loose ball from midfield led to the nippy striker slotting it home.

Logan McConachie’s men kept pressing and were unlucky on a number of occasions as Alex Gibb and Tom Casey both tested the keeper.

The away team saw the minutes out with long balls stretching the Coupar defence and cleverly ran down the time.

Coupar U19 midfielder Ryan Beedie made his debut as a substitute in the last 20 minutes and didn’t look out of place in the senior team.

Coupar visit Brechin Vics on Saturday in a 2.30pm kick-off.