Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
‘Hurting’ Monifieth have sights set on final spot
MON F I E T H At h let ic U/13 a re look i ng to claim a final spot on Sunday when they play Dundee West Royals in the last four of the Diamond Jubilee Cup.
The pair met only a few weeks ago in the East Region Cup with Monifieth coming out on top after a hard-fought struggle.
Monifieth manager Ossie Heffell is expecting another tight encounter but is hoping his lads can bounce back after they were knocked out of the Scottish Cup last Sunday.
He said: “Royals are our biggest rivals but we beat them a few weeks ago in the East Region Cup so that should give us confidence.”
Heffell is also hoping a home draw will pay dividends after last week’s Scottish tie against Carluke outfit Milton was switched to Craigie 3G.
“We checked Riverview about 9am last Sunday morning and the pitch was still playable.
“But the rain kept falling and we were forced to make a lastminute switch to Craigie 3G.
“It’s the first time we have played there in an 11-a-side match and, unfortunately, it didn’t really suit us.
“We had the wind at our backs in the first half but we couldn’t capitalise and it ended 0-0.
“They got stronger as the game wore on and fully deserved their win.”
While defeat was a bitter pill to swallow, there were a couple of standout performances.
Heffell continued: “Our goalkeeper Manu Mutambisi was outstanding while Euan Clark ran his socks off up front against two very big lads.
“It was disappointing to lose but we have the chance to bounce back on Sunday.
“We’ve enjoyed the transition to 11-a-side football and have done well.
“Before Sunday we had won 13 and drawn one of our games, so our lads will be hurting a wee bit.
“But we have a great opportunity this week to get to a final. Hopefully, we can take it and set up a final against Dundee West Reds.”