‘Brilliant’ Monifieth book cup final place

MONIFIETH Athletic U/16s booked their place in the final of the Chuck McGowan Cup thanks to a 3-0 win over Riverside.

It was unbeaten Monifieth’s second 3-0 win over Riverside this season, and manager Dugald MacKinnon was delighted with his side’s showing.

He said: “I can’t ask any more of the boys than they gave. They were absolutely brilliant from the goalkeeper right through — everyone gave 100%.”

Monifieth got off to the perfect start when Oli Carmichael slotted a shot past Jordi Duncan at the near post after five minutes.

The Riverside stopper produced a fantastic finger-tip save to keep out Cameron McLaughlin’s fierce drive but could do nothing when Ross McDowell curled the ball past him seven minutes before the break.

MacKinnon was full of praise for the forward who tormented Riverside’s defence all afternoon.

He said: “Ross ran them ragged, they didn’t know what to do with him, he was outstanding. But the whole team worked hard, they worked for each other and helped each other out when needed.”

McDowell struck the knock-out blow early in the second half when he broke forward and beat Duncan for a second time. Only a smart save from Duncan denied McDowell a hat-trick.

Dryburgh CC await Monifieth in the final after they beat Lincraig, but MacKinnon is hopeful his players can avenge the cup final loss they suffered last season.

He said: “We’re scared of nobody at the minute. We’re undefeated, so long may it last.

“They’ve got the backbone, they’ve got the work ethic and they’ve certainly got the ability, so it’s just whether they keep the confidence going and the momentum going and not get cocky.

“It’s about trying to keep their feet on the ground, while going forward, because they’ve come on leaps and bounds.”

Ferry Athletic U/13s continued their astonishing first season at 11-a-side football by sealing a place in the quarter-finals of the Scottish Cup, after beating Deveronvale 3-1.

Will Hanbury netted twice, and Blaike Kyles was also on target as Ferry saw off the Banff-based side.

Monifieth U/16 (black) saw off Riverside 3-0 to progress to the Chuck McGowan Cup Final at Riverside on Sunday.

Dundee West U/14 (yellow and blue) beat Montrose 6-1 in the Dundee West Anniversary Cup semi-final at Downfield Park.

More action from Monifieth U/16’s (black) win over Riverside in the Chuck McGowan semi-final.

Dundee West Royal U/13 (blue) downed Mearns in a 7-4 thriller in the Philip Gibson League at Downfield Park.

A Carnoustie U/13s (red) player fires in a shot at goal in their 5-3 Diamond Jubilee Cup semi-final win at Fairmuir Park.