Loco’s derail Shippy in Scottish Cup.
The Shipyard fell at the first hurdle in the William Hill Scottish Cup but they can be proud of their performance against a very strong Highland League team. Had a couple of decent penalty claims been given it might have been different but overall Inverurie deserved their win. Captain Craig Lowe did not travel north due to work commitments in what was a blow to Myles for this big match.
The visitors started brightly with Brendan Napier’s free kick being cleared and a shot from the edge of the box by Pete Bell blocked. Jordan Mushet was called into action in the 13th minute when he held an attempt after the ball was partially cleared. In the next minute Stevie Connor needed treatment after a poor challenge on him. This was then the pattern for the whole match as the Shipyard players and Connor in particular were on the end of some strong tackles. Mushet then held a powerful effort from Martin Bavidge who was using his strength and experience to good effect and Dean Donaldson shot wide after he found space in the Shipyard area. In the 19th minute a fine pass from Kevin Masson found Napier in a good position but his shot was weak. Alan Clark had to be replaced by Blair Smart in the 26th minute after he picked up an injury. Masson was next to try his luck for the visitors but after good control and a quick turn his effort was easily gathered by Andy Reid in the Loco’s goal. Scott Begg should have done better for the homesters but he blasted over from a good position. The Shipyard had appealed for a penalty as Grant Blyth appeared to be pushed in the back as he shielded the ball and minutes later had another strong appeal as Dale Robertson burst into the box. No one was denying that the defender won the ball but such was the ferocity of the challenge Robertson was unable to continue after treatment to a nasty ankle injury caused by the Loco’s players other foot. He was replaced by Adam Doig. A Napier free kick into the box caused panic in the home rearguard but no Shipyard player could get a touch to steer the ball into the net. Inverurie took the lead in the 36th minute when the Shipyard defence was dragged to the front post and when the ball reached the far post Donaldson had the easiest of tasks to knock the ball in. Gavin Bridges headed clear a minute later as Inverurie looked to double their advantage but the Shipyard were still causing problems to the home team as Masson fired over from just inside the box. The half closed with the Loco’s Andy Low shooting over the bar.
Kieran Adams headed over from a corner as Inverurie started the second half well and they were rewarded in the 52nd minute when Connor was penalised for a foul in the box. It was a clear penalty but it seemed harsh that Connor was cautioned given the treatment that he had received. Mushet did get a glove on Donaldson’s penalty but he was unable to keep the ball out as Inverurie went 2-0 up. Masson was doing well on his own up front and the Loco’s defence had to be on their toes as he continued to cause them problems. At the other end Craig McKay was turning in a man of the match performance with some great tackle’s, clearances and blocks. Mushet saved well at his near post with McKay then clearing the danger. Connor finally had to give in to injury midway through the half after the punishment he had received with Andy Macdonald replacing him. Sub Andy Hunter went close with a header for Inverurie and Begg saw his curling shot drift wide as they looked to put the game out of sight for the visitors. Masson shot wide for the Shipyard but it was the home team who were finishing stronger and both David Ross and Ross Anderson went close with headers. In the 89th minute the Shipyard had a great chance to set up a grandstand finish as Masson was played through on goal, however, he seemed to be in two minds what to do and his left foot shot was blocked as a defender got back. Deep into added time Inverurie got a third goal that was a bit harsh on the Shipyard given how well they had defended. After a couple of efforts were blocked the ball broke to Hunter and he lashed the ball into the net from fifteen yards.
Teams: Inverurie Loco Works: A. Reid; N.McLean; G. Forsyth; S. Begg; K. Adams; R. Anderson; D. Ross; M. Soutar; M. Bavidge (M. Young); A. Low (G. Mitchell); D. Donaldson (A. Hunter). Unused Subs: S. Mathieson; J. Maitland; R.Keir.
Burntisland Shipyard: J. Mushet; G. Bridges; S. Connor (A. MacDonald); A. Clark (B. Smart); C. McKay; S. Blake; D. Robertson (A. Doig); P. Bell; K. Masson; B. Napier; G. Blyth. Unused Subs: L. Henderson; M. Morrison; R. Sartarello; J. Crombie.
Referee: M. Roncone.