Defeats for Riverside
Riverside were on league business trying to halt Syngenta’s march to the title, but could only marvel as the hosts scored four without reply.
Other than a narrow loss in the Scottish Cup, Syngenta have remained undefeated in all other domestic and regional competitions and Riverside had to face them with no less than five players missing, including goalkeeper Kyle Middleton.
Riverside started brightly and pressed Syngenta back for large periods of the game. Kobe Furzer hit the post while Syngenta found stand-in keeper Adam Sharp in fine form.
The home side gradually took a grip of the game and on 35 minutes they took the lead.
Riverside’s job wasn’t made easier when right back Kerr Liddell had to come off injured early in the second half and was replaced by Jordan Ballard.
Syngenta then grabbed a second and with no subs available, the Riverside players were clearly wilting and the home took advantage to score another two before the end.
Budget Auto Centre man of the match went to Lewis Morrow.
Riverside completed their League Cup section with tough matches against Armadale Calcio and Grange Thistle.
Against Armadale, they gifted their opponents an early goal but in 18 minutes following good play by Sam McMeechan, Kobe Furzer managed to prod home from close range.
Riverside continued to dominate and went ahead through Cammi Cirillo only for the home side to equalise just after the break.
Athletic fought hard but it was Armadale who netted the winner in a 3-2 victory.
Budget Auto Centre man of the match was Kerr Liddell.
In the match against Grange Thistle, Riverside yet again gifted an early lead and by half-time they were 3-0 down.
Sam McMeechan, Luke Forsyth and trialist Louie Beausang were introduced, and goals from Forsyth and Kobe Furzer brought them back into it.
Grange always looked dangerous on the counter and managed to grab a fourth goal only for Furzer to make it 4-3.
A lapse in concentration saw Grange grab a fifth but with 10 minutes left, Furzer slammed home a penalty for his hat-trick to make for an exciting end. No more goals were to follow, however, and the match finished 5-3 to Grange.
Budget Auto Centre man of the match was Kobe Furzer.