Hermes ‘dominant’ in Stonehaven cup clash

Hermes overcame a potentially tricky obstacle in the shape of fellow Premier League side Stonehaven to progress to the second stage of the North Regional Cup, where they will meet current Championship leaders Sunnybank.

After a tight opening half hour, the home side went in front after 36 minutes with a good move down the left by skipper Connor McKenzie, which ended with a cross that was converted by Jack Craig with a rare headed finish.

Two minutes later, the Lochside Park outfit doubled their advantage when James McMahon’s cut-back from the left was met on the halfvolley by Paul Esslemont.

There was still time for the home team to add another before the interval, when yet another break down the left-hand side saw the ball centred to Joe Burr – whose sliding finish gave Reece Duncan no chance.

On the hour mark, Burr completed the goal action after being set up by McMahon, sealing a 4-0 victory.

Hermes assistant manager Steve Watson was enthusiastic about his team’s performance, saying: “We were very good. That was the most dominant we’ve been this season over a 90-minute period – and who knows what the final score could have been if we’d got one early on.

“Reece Duncan was excellent between the sticks for them and some of our finishing could have been better.”

Having received a bye in the Quest Engineering Cup, Hermes have a weekend off this time round before league matches against Banchory St. Ternan at home and Montrose Roselea at Links Park.

A hamstring injury continues to rule out Jack Tait, but Ryan Begg, who hasn’t kicked a ball in anger all season, is back in training following his broken foot.