AMATEUR FOOTBALL

It was a mixed week for the three remaining Scottish Cup participants with only one of the trio getting the home advantage that is highly desired, writes our Amateur Correspondent.

Merpro were drawn away to Glasgow Island AFC of the GCAFA and with only one weekend of match play time remaining before their tie on January 11, they were forced to postpone their league match on

Saturday with Kirrie Thistle because of a frozen pitch. Menzieshill were the home advantage benefactors in the Scottish and the week belonged to them when they edged Fintry out of the North of Tay Cup at the weekend thanks to a solitary Jack Neave strike on the 88th minute mark.

“It was tough going on a very difficult pitch,” said one official, with reports suggesting that Hill just about deserved it through their first half performance when they created a number of chances.

Fintry appear to have a tough Scottish tie away to Thorn Athletic of the CALE League, while Hill’s fine week was complete with a home draw against Uddington Anvil of the CSAFL.

Elsewhere in the North of Tay AHSFP had a great day knocking out holders Kinross by 4-2.

Both Barnhill and Broughty United also progressed with wins over Bridgeton United and Carnoustie Panmure YM. Barnhill had relied on Gary Middleton and the evergreen Scott Mcintosh to see them through by 2-1 with Stephen Kerr, Greg Houston and Scott Howie getting the goals that helped Broughty get the better of Panmure by 3-0. Invergowrie were unlucky to exit the cup after holding a 4-1 half time lead.

But a great second half performance by SMS Kelso shocked the village side and they went down 5-4. Ally Paterson, Gerald Nayakura, Craig Stewart and an own goal had provided a half-time lead that looked sufficient enough to take them through.

Shotz were 9-0 victors over the Maidens with Finavon also comfortable enough 6-0 winners over Cannon Fodder. Lowson United and North End drew their match 2-2 with the Forfar side eventually moving through by 4-2 on penalties. The Breadalbane v Tayside Fire Brigade match was also iced off but Morgan Academy FPS’ relegation battle against Montrose went ahead with the school side winning 6-2. Veteran Craig Stevenson proved he was right to select himself by bagging a hat-trick with Connor Kennedy, Alec Thom and an own goal providing some respite for the Academy as they struggle along with a few others near the foot of the Premier.

Yesterday Craigie 3G hosted the Midlands Select v Aberdeenshire for the George Stephen Trophy. It always looked as if the Midlanders would capture the cup and a superb strike from Lowson’s Kieran Crichton and a Kevin Egan penalty ensured that this would be the case.