AmAteur FootbAll

THORNY TEST FOR DOUGLAS BUT AT LEAST IT’S AT HOME There was great delight in the Douglas Athletic camp when the seventh round Scottish Amateur Cup draw provided them with a much wanted home tie, albeit against Thorn Athletic of the Caledonian League writes our Amateur correspondent.

Caley were the conquerors of St James in round five but only after a replay so the form book gives the Midlands side a great chance when they meet up with Thorn on March 3. If Douglas get over that hurdle then they may meet Dumbarton FPs, another Caley team, away from home in the quarter-final.

The main connection between the two Caley sides just now is that the pair seem to be dominating their own Premier League this season even at this early stage. Having played only eight and seven games, respectively, they have amassed a combined 43 points and are already well clear of the other 10 premier teams.

They were on Premier League duty on Saturday – probably a nice distraction for the bigger fish that lie ahead. A 7-1 victory over Portcullis propelled the winners to the top of the table. Braces from Ryan Kenneth, Steve Martin and Greig Cushnie, plus a Lyall Murdoch, single kept them well in charge.

Douglas also overtook last week’s leaders, Merpro, after they lost 4-1 to Morgan FPs. A bad defensive blunder on 20 minutes set up the Montrose men to take the lead. But goals from Jason Alexander (pen), Kevin Scott, and Connor Kennedy gave the FPs a 3-1 half-time lead, with Kennedy adding his second and the FPs’ fourth late in the game. Champions Menzieshill AFC need to keep winning to have any chance of closing the gap on Douglas.

A Sean Tucker hat-trick gave them a 3-0 win over Carnoustie YM. They now lie three points behind Douglas who have played a game less.

Lochee United’s 4-1 defeat of Barnhill moves them into second spot a point behind Douglas, but they have played three games more, while Newport, badly in need of points, were shock 4-3 winners over Tayside Fire Brigade. In the bottom of the table tussle Invergowrie and Logie Harp drew 1-1. In Division 1 there was a shock for Forfar West End, losing out 1-0 to an inconsistent Monifieth Tayside side. This reversal will likely impact badly on the Forfar side’s chances of promotion.

In the Bremner Cup St James were mightily impressive defeating the in-form Lowson United 5-0. Robbie Norrie (2), Jamie McCormack, Dominic Blair and one from the returning Barry Heggie made up Saints’ nap hand.

Broughty United performed a Bremner escape, winning 5-4 on penalties after extra-time finished at 4-4 against AHSFP.

They were down 4-2 until two late goals from Mark McGuire gave them their chance in the penalty shoot-out.