Greig relieved to avoid replay

Gartcairn prevail against Maud

Andrew Bargh

Gartcairn boss Davie Greig has spoken of his relief at Saturday’s dramatic Scottish Cup win.

Cairn avoided a nightmare replay trip to Maud, near Peterhead, next weekend after two late goals saw them triumph 3-1 at MTC.

Matters looked to be conspiring against the home side when goalkeeper Kyle Priestley was sent off for handling the ball outside his 18-yard-box at the start of the second half.

Striker Mark Tait was forced to don the goalkeeper’s jersey and bravely took on the responsibility due to the lack of a substitute stopper.

Ryan Donnelly put Cairn in front in the first half before Tait’s clean sheet was spoiled on the hour mark.

But finishes from Michael Williams and Jamie Leslie in the 86th and 94th minutes sealed the win and booked Cairn’s passage into the fourth round.

A chuffed Greig said: “I’m delighted to get the win as I certainly didn’t want us to have to go up north for a replay.

“I felt we did enough to win the game and we showed great character after going down to 10 men.

“It was hard work at times but the lads dug in and their determination paid off.”

Cairn reached the quarter-final stage of the Scottish Cup last season in a remarkable cup run for the district league team.

And Greig admitted: “The Scottish Cup is the biggest competition for us and we are delighted to still be in it after Christmas now.

“What we did last year will be so hard to replicate.

“A cup run is fantastic though so we’re looking forward to the draw.

“At this stage you need to avoid the super league teams; you want a winnable tie at home.

“All in all, we’re just happy to be in the hat again.”

Reflecting on Priestley’s red card, Greig is happy he can look back on the moment with a smile rather than a scowl.

He said: “Kyle misjudged the ball and he had to catch it.

“We put Mark Tait in goals as he likes to have a go in training.

“He loved it and took it in his stride; he’s a right character.

“He was unfortunate with the goal and apart from that wasn’t really troubled so I’m delighted with how he did.

“It shows the boys togetherness that they were able to come through that and the celebrations for the two goals at the end were clear for all to see.”

Cairn left-back Murray Spooner added: “It feels great to just be in the next round considering we were down to 10 men with half an hour to go.

“But we dug deep and fought for every ball after the red card and I feel we deserved to go through.

“The celebrations at the second goal just showed what it means to the team.

“There’s a real confidence around the squad just now which bodes well for our last couple of games before the winter break.”

Cairn’s next game is at home this Saturday to Carluke Rovers in the Central District Second Division.

Cup of cheer Cairn’s players celebrate victory