Doune march on into Scottish Cup last 16
Scottish Amateur Cup
GREENOCK HSFP ................................... 1 DOUNE CASTLE .................................... 2
A terrific team performance saw Doune Castle edge a thriller to make it through to the last 16 of the Scottish Amateur Cup.
Doune opened the scoring after just nine minutes when Alan Pacitti found Alan Inglis with a quick and precise throw. Inglis split the defence with a clever ball to Christopher Macdonald, who had broken into the box. Macdonald turned inside and stroked a fine finish into the net.
The strong wind blowing straight down the pitch, and Greenock’s direct approach, tested the Castle backline and limited much of the play to a midfield battle for possession.
Dean Manson, Tam Nelson and Callum Paterson competed well in the central areas to make sure Doune enjoyed the better of the many aerial challenges.
Pacitti expertly marshalled his defence and was a calm presence whenever Greenock ventured into the Castle box.
On the stroke of half-time, Greenock were given a gilt-edged opportunity to draw level when they were awarded a penalty. The FPS squandered that chance, Gurney shooting well wide of the right-hand post.
Doune were well worth their 1-0 half-time lead.
Both sides had chances in the second half as the game edged to a tense conclusion.
Doune looked to have guaranteed the win their display merited when they doubled their lead with three minutes left.
Andy Innes launched a long throw over the Greenock defence towards the near post to Inglis.
From the acutest of angles, Inglis judged his deft header on the turn to perfection.
Inglis’header beat Tinny all ends up and nestled into the net at the far post to make it 2-0.
A minute into added time, Greenock were awarded their second penalty of the match, which they converted to narrow the scoreline to 2-1.
Doune came close to restoring their two-goal advantage three minutes into added time. Macdonald was denied by Tinney who leapt full-length to touch Macdonald’s drive onto the post and behind.
The Castle kept their concentration levels high and saw out the final four minutes of added time to secure their passage into the sixth-round draw.
Doune Castle – Pacitti, Gillespie (Campbell) Mcrae, Manson, Nelson, Wardrope, Paterson (Macdougall), Duszynski (Steel), Wilbert (A Innes), Inglis, Macdonald.
Subs not used – Gibson.