Nine-goal Broch dump Fort out of cup in first round

FORT William were dumped out of the Highland League Cup in the first round after a bruising defeat at the hands of high-flying Fraserburgh.

The Fort went into the game looking to build on their draw with Clachnaccudin in the league last week, but the task of causing an upset against one of the league’s in-form sides proved too great.

Still basking in the memories of their recent glamour tie against SPFL giants Rangers in the Scottish Cup, the ‘Broch’ were in no mood for complacency as they set their sights on Highland silverware.

A quick-fire Paul Campbell hat-trick in the opening 10 minutes set the tone for the afternoon and gave the under-strength Fort defence a stern wake-up call. With barely five minutes gone in the match, Campbell, who scored four goals in the previous meeting between the teams, pounced on a defensive mistake to put the home side ahead.

Campbell got another goal two minutes later when he found himself unmarked on the sixyard line as a lack of experience in the young Fort line-up started to show.

The striker completed his hat-trick in the ninth minute by slotting the ball past young Fort goalkeeper Martin MacKinnon, effectively crushing any hope of a Fort William cup upset. The onslaught continued as Aidan Combe got in on the scoring.

After being denied by a fine stop by MacKinnon in the Fort goal, the forward shot into the roof of the net from close range. In the 34th minute, Paul Campbell got his fourth of the game after tapping the ball into the net from the goal line. With 11 goals in three games against the Fort this season, no doubt Campbell will already be looking forward to the next fixture between the sides.

Much to the relief of the Fort defence, Campbell was substituted at half-time, the ‘Broch’ management happy with his first half contribution.

Fort William came out a little stronger after the break, but Fraserburgh showed no signs of mercy as substitute Andrew Hanner scored with an accurate finish from the edge of the box 10 minutes into the second half.

Hanner notched his second of the game 60 seconds later, nodding the ball in from close range.

After the hour mark, midfielder Kieran Simpson burst forward to get on the end of a cross and head the ball home.

Ten minutes later, the 9-0 rout was complete when substitute Graham Johnston scored what was arguably the goal of the game.

From 30 yards out, the veteran forward curled his free-kick into the top corner of the net, leaving keeper MacKinnon with no chance.

The win sees Fraserburgh progress into the next round of the Highland League Cup, while Fort William concentrate on their league form.

Fort William have two home games this week: Nairn County last night (Wednesday) after the Lochaber Times went to press.

They are at home again on Saturday, February 17, against Turriff United.