AMATEUR FOOTBALL

UPS AND DOWNS FOR TAYSIDE CLUBS

It was a day of ups and downs for Tayside clubs as they pursued Scottish Amateur Cup glory at the second round stage, writes our Amateur Correspondent.

After a titanic effort, Menzieshill AFC exited in an odd goal in seven encounter against 2014 Scottish Cup victors Hurlford Thistle after leading the visitors for a good part of the game.

However, conceding four from setpieces led to their downfall. Michael Cavin (2) and Liam Eagan scored Hill’s goals.

After last season’s great Scottish run, Fintry AFC avoided an early hiccup when a last-minute Jimmy Henderson goal saved them against Drumchapel United PYM.

It is 11 years since a side from Drumchapel lifted the big cup and the expectations are high this time round.

But Fintry can console themselves with home advantage next weekend after Saturday’s 1-1 draw.

Montrose almost shot themselves in the foot after leading Arthurlie by 3-0 at half-time thanks to a Cammy Fraser brace and an own goal. Although the home side fought back to make it 3-2 the Angus men held on by the skin of their teeth. Invergowrie enjoyed a boost that should help their league form when wining 3-0 at Stonehaven. A back post volley from Jamie Irvine gave them a 1-0 half-time lead and two others from Ben Fraser and Irvine midway through the second half clinched a comfortable win.

Lowson United had a great run in the Scottish last season and made easy meat of Symington Tinto this time round, winning 14-0.

Lochee United also enjoyed success winning 8-2 against Erskine United. Four from Billy Buchan was the highlight.

Morgan FP had the difficult task of entertaining the unbeaten Perthshire champions Letham Amateurs and the 5-0 margin between the school side and their visitors was just about right. Conceding three penalties on Saturday, along with two the previous game, is certainly not helping the FPs’ cause.

Mark Shaw, Shaun Simpson Dale Smart (2) and Steven McEwan provided “another day at the office” win for the Perth men.

There were 2-2 draws for AHSFP and Barnhill against Rattray and Cockenzie Star, respectively, with an away trip for both scheduled for next Saturday.

The great form Broughty United have shown this season counted for nothing against Glenburn Miners Welfare and the mine hosts saw them off by 2-0.

On the positive side their were passages through for both Newport and Carnoustie Panmure YM.

It is nearly a century since Greenock High School won the Scottish and the Fifers made sure this long run would continue as they coasted through 4-1.

In the other match goals from Paul Cottrell (2) and Jack McMillan gave the Gowfers their 3-1 victory over Kemnay. Unfortunately the other three Angus sides – Kirriemuir Thistle, Wellbank and Shotz – all departed, with the latter being edged out by Troon Dundonald in a 5-4 thriller.