MIDLANDS AMATEUR FOOTBALL

The record books will show that all three remaining Midland sides exited the Scottish Amateur Cup at the third round stage – a stat that is hard to swallow after last season’s successes,

What makes the circumstance even more disappointing is that research will almost certainly reveal that this is just about the worst performance in the top competition by sides from MAFA in the last 60 years or so. Carnoustie Panmure YM might have saved the day but the post then the bar prevented their extra-time replay from going to penalties.

They had fought back from 1-0 in arrears to level with 10 minutes of regulation time left.

But the goal advantage to Ayrshire visitors Mossblown Boswell was restored in the first period of extra time and despite the Gowfers’ best efforts 2-1 was how it ended. St Mungo’s entertained Montrose AFC with the latter losing out 4-2. Cammy Fraser and Nathan Keddie got the Angus side’s consolation goals.

Barnhill were also on away duty in their replay at Fauldhouse where the hosts won by the odd goal in five. So no luck there either.

Three Premier fixtures supported the Scottish fare.

For thrills and spills in front of goal Memorial Park was the place to be with Invergowrie and Morgan FP supplying the excitement by sharing eight goals.

The FPS held the upper hand in the first 45 and looked set for the victory after holding a 3-0 half-time lead. However, a golden spell 20 minutes after the break saw the FPS on their heels and behind 4-3. It took a last-minute goal from Kieran Ross to give Morgan the point they probably deserved because of their first half performance.

Earlier goals from Jason Alexander (2) and Steven Rice had put Morgan in charge with strikes from Gowrie’s Gerald Nyakura, Stewart Thomson (2), and Davie Taylor truly turning the tables. Skipper Taylor’s 30-yard volley to make it 4-3 was as good a strike as you’ll see anywhere. The game between the two United’s, Lowson and Broughty, looked the most competitive on paper and so it proved to be with the latter winning 3-1. After falling behind, a Callum Falkener strike and a Greg Ryder double saw off the Forfar men who remain in the chase for the title. Looking to regain their Premier crown, Menzieshill AFC lashed home eight against AHSFP with Lee Roeleveld (2), Dominic Blair (2), Kevin Egan, Iain Mclean, Derek Mitchell and Barry Mann their marksmen. AHSFP did bag one themselves. In Division 1 a goal from Jack Le Feuvre midway through the second half gave Newport the points against Wellbank while their nearest challengers, Shotz, were winning 9-0 against FC Polonia. Kris Triggs (2), Ross Findlay, Dale Riddell, Donnie Smith (2), Ian Quinn, Craig Mackay and Craig Aitkinson did the damage there.