Report by Scott Mc Pherson

Woodside were looking to continue their great league form at home to University. Despite being one of few games to beat the freeze, the pitch looked in fine condition.

University started with a lone striker and 5 in midfield which indicated a conservative approach. However, that never materialised.

The away side slotted into the game much the better and could have taken the lead after 5 minutes. Nick Carlisle’s corner was headed towards goal by defender Mike Bruce which was kicked off the line by the man on the post.

University came close again, this time from open play. Winger Chris Reid’s in swinging cross agonisingly missed the foot of fellow winger Stephen Christmas and the far corner of the goal.

University playmaker Nick Carlisle was dictating the pace of the game and Woodside were restricted to counter attack opportunities at home, which would not have happened too many times this season.

The most likely route to goal for both teams looked like coming from a set piece and a long throw heralded Woodside’s first real chance of the game. Paul Main’s long throw was met by the head of striker of Bryan Forbes who hit the post from the edge of the 6 yard box.

Half-time: 0-0

Hard working University lone striker Raymond Utuk joined Forbes in hitting the woodwork at the start of the second half. Carlisle’s free kick was headed onto the bar by Utuk which fell to centre half Rob Hayes who failed to bundle the ball over the line.

If Woodside were going to score, it would be from the head of striker Forbes and that’s exactly what happened. A driven ball into the box was flicked on by the striker and nestled into the corner of the net. A great sign of champions is winning when not playing at your best and that’s exactly what Woodside were doing.

The goal spurred the league leaders into life and they went onto to create a number of good chances. Both Woodside strikers Forbes and Simpson had 1 on 1 opportunities but were both denied by University stopper Chris Ryan.

That reprieve seemed to fade quickly as their star man Carlisle pulled up with an innocuous looking injury which forced him off with 20 minutes to go. Despite the adversity they faced, University earned an unlikely draw.

The away side got the bit of fortune that their play deserved. With ten minutes remaining Uni’s Chris Reid drilled a cross-cum-shot across the box which was diverted past ‘keeper Thouless via the knee of Woodside defender Chris Buchan into his own net.

Woodside never really looked like re-taking the lead after that as University edged them out. Second place Westdyke will be delighted to see a somewhat surprising home draw from league leaders Woodside as they look to close the gap at the top of the table.

Full Time: 1-1

Woodside: Thouless, Allan, Buchan, Gibb, Forbes, Cronin, Neil, Main, Lepkowski. Thomson, Simpson. Subs: Marr, Ferguson, MacKenzie, Stewart, Davie

University: Ryan, Christmas, McKay, Bruce, Hayes, Reid, Smith, Meyrick, Utuk, Carlisle, Makaravicius, Subs: Damingoez, Whyte, Ellis, Lawerence, Edwards

The away side had the best of the early chances, however Caley always looked dangerous on the counter attack. The heavy pitch was taking it’s toll and in particular in the middle of the park, where nobody was getting any time on the ball.

Dee opened the scoring on the 34th minute after a surging run from Aitken led to him being fouled as he approached the penalty box. Will took the resultant free-kick and curled the ball around the Caley wall and into the bottom corner of the goals to put Dee 1-0 ahead.

The second half started with Dee playing down the slope and they added to their lead on the hour mark. A fantastic 30 yard pass from Bennett, released Hall at the edge of the box. He then cut In past the Caley centre-half and sent an unstoppable drive past the keeper to make it 2-0 to Dee.

On the 71st minute, Dee were reduced to 10 men when a 50-50 collision resulted in Aitken being sent off. This gave Caley the incentive and they tried hard to get on the scoresheet but they found goalkeeper Ross and his defenders in fine form as they battled hard to keep the Caley strikers at bay while Will and Wilson were looking dangerous on the break for Dee.

With 10 minutes left on the clock Caley pulled a goal back when a good move led to their striker driving the ball past Ross in goal to set up a nail biting finish. However, the away side coped well with everything thrown at them and despite playing out the last 20 minutes with 10 men they held out to claim their spot in the semi-final of the competition.

Report By Dave Strath

The early decision to switch this Scottish Amateur Cup 5th Rd Replay to the All Weather pitch at Kaimhill proved to be spot on with the overnight frost on Friday again decimating the local minor football programme.

Echt’s progress in this tie was badly hampered due to unavailability and late call offs. When their line up was announced it included only five players who had featured in the starting eleven in Oban the previous week.

The opening exchanges were fairly even with both sides probably adjusting to the all weather surface. Alan Douglas moved forward right side in the 8th minute and fed Marc Lawrence on the edge of the Oban box but the parting shot was easily gathered by visiting keeper Douglas.

Echt successfully defended an Oban 20 yard free kick in 15 minutes and likewise a throw hurled into their six yard box by big frontman Gemmill, a ploy that had been continually used in the 2-2 draw in Oban and again repeated throughout this match.

Alan Daun and Andy Davidson won Echt a left side flag kick in 18 minutes and with the visitors temporarily on the backfoot, a defender just won the aerial battle with Echt’s Douglas on an inviting Stuart Cooper cross two mins later.

The visitors started to settle on the ball and were gaining a good foothold in the game and the Echt rearguard were being asked serious questions.

Oban broke the deadlock in 23 minutes when the ball was worked across the Echt 18 yard box, right to left, Gemmill got to the bye line and lifted a great delivery across goal for the unmarked Millar at the far post to easily head past Paul Bennett.

Oban doubled their lead when Echt conceded a second in 26 minutes whilst defending against the long Gemmill throw in from the left they managed to get the ball clear as far as the right edge of the penalty box junction where McCauley gained possession, side stepped an attempted challenge, and rifled a great finish across Bennett into the far corner for 0-2.

Another major setback for Echt came just before the half hour mark, when big striker Greg Kane broke down, having just returned from injury, and had to be replaced by Jamie Gill.

The home side were pushing forward at every opportunity but real goal scoring opportunities never really materialised against a no-nonsense Oban defence and the visitors were ever dangerous on the break.

Half-time: 0 – 2

As at the start of the fixture the opening exchanges were fairly even, with of course the next goal going to be absolutely crucial.

Oban broke at pace in 55 minutes when D Campbell set up MacEwen who was unmarked in front of goal six yards out. With only Bennet to beat the striker squandered a glorious chance by failing to hit target.

Echt’s fate was sealed in 57 minutes when D Campbell in a central position, raced onto a through ball and clinically fired past Bennett for Oban’s third.

The closest Echt came to a consolation counter was in 62 minutes and again in 68 minutes with two well struck 40 yd efforts from Skipper Alan Douglas. The first his namesake in the Oban goal, at full length, pushed round his right hand post; the second his left hand post.

Newcomer Stuart Bennett replaced Martin McGillivray for the final 17 minutes and a decent Scott Aberdein effort flew over the Oban crossbar late on but the Echt Scottish Cup campaign unfortunately had been well and truly grounded.

The deserved victors Oban were left to lock horns with Cambusbarron Rovers in another away tie for them next week.

Full Time: 0 – 3

Echt: P Bennett, Graham, Cooper, A Davidson,Aberdein, G Milne, McGillivray, Douglas,Kane, Lawrence, Daun. Subs: Gill, S Bennett, L Milne, V Roger

Soccer World North Of Scotland Cup

Third Round

Monymusk v Echt at Monymusk – Derek Mitchell

Fourth Round

Ellon Amateurs v Hazlehead United at The Meadows, Ellon – Greg Thomson

Aberdeen Trophy Centre Aberdeen FC Trophy

Fourth Round

Kemnay Youth v Newtonhill at Kemnay – C Christie
Nicolls Amateurs v Bon Accord City at Denmore Park – D Fleming
Westdyke v Glendale at Lawsondale – S Middleton

Colin’s Tyres Association Trophy

Second Round

Mearns United v Stoneywood Amateurs at Fettercairn – Gary Thomson

Third Round

Cowie Thistle v Dyce ITC Hydraulics at Stonehaven – K Taylor
West End v Sportsmans Club at Hazlehead Academy – David Mitchell
Woodside v Luthermuir at Lochside Park – M Harrow

Aberdeen Trophy Centre Stephen Shield

Semi-Final

Burghmuir v Rattrays XI at Strathburn Park, Inverurie – D Vass

Aberdeen Trophy Centre Castle Rovers Cup

Quarter-Final

Alford v Cammachmore at Alford – E Coutts

Semi-Final

Torry United v JS XI at Tullos School – S Taylor

1st Touch Football Premier Division

Kincorth v Cove Thistle at Kincorth Academy – A Lovie
Kintore v Blackburn at Kintore – D McFarlane
University v Great Western United at Hillhead – I Wright

1st Touch Football Division One (North)

Don Athletic v Kaimhill United at Westfield Park – G Catto
Insch v Westhill at Insch – K Fordyce
University Strollers v Beacon Rangers at Balgownie – A Russell

1st Touch Football Division One (East)

Banchory v Halliburton at Banchory – I Donaldson
Johnshaven Athletic v RGU at Johnshaven – C Hudson
Old Aberdonians v MS United at Balgownie – R Henderson
Portlethen United v AC Mill Inn at Nicol Park – D Folganon
Rothie Rovers v Newmachar United at Rothienorman – F Wallace
Stonehaven Athletic v Lads Club Amateurs at Stonehaven – G Nelson

1st Touch Football Division Two (North)

Bervie Caley v Mintlaw at Gourdon – I Towe
Continental v University Colts at Webster Park, Kingswells – W Young
FC Polska v Grammar FPs at Aulton – D Forbes
Northern United v Feughside at Inverdee – I Innes

1st Touch Football Division Two (East)

Glentanar Reflex v Glendale XI at Hazlehead – S Inverarity
McTeagle v Postal ALC at Sheddocksley – B D’Arcy
Scotstown Rovers v Trophies International at Hazlehead – J McGettrick
St Laurence v West End Electrical at Laurencekirk – S Morrison
Torphins v Mugiemoss Youth at Kincardine O’Neil – A Barry
Theologians v Glendale Youth at Hazlehead – G Catto

1st Touch Football Division Three

ARI Thistle v Newburgh Thistle at Aulton – D Moir
Broomhill BC v Auchnagatt Barons at Kaimhill (Grass) – S Hart
Byron Amateurs v Bankhead at Jamieson Park, Lads Club – G Robertson
Fintray Thistle v Dee Amateurs at Strathburn Park, Inverurie – A Murphy
Highland Hotel v Ferryhill at Inverdee – A Shepherd
Turriff Thistle v Great Northern Athletic at Turriff – S McKenzie

All kick-offs 2.00pm

Fifth Round Replay

Echt 0 – 3 Oban Saints

Soccer World North Of Scotland Cup

Third Round

Sportsmans Club P – P Luthermuir

Aberdeen Trophy Centre Aberdeen FC Trophy

Fourth Round

Kemnay Youth P – P Newtonhill
Westdyke P – P Glendale

Colin’s Tyres Association Trophy

Second Round

Mearns United P – P Stoneywood Amateurs

Third Round

Cowie Thistle P – P Dyce ITC Hydraulics

Colin’s Tyres Dickie Trophy

Quarter-Final

Bervie Caley 1 – 2 Dee Amateurs

Semi-Final

Scotstown Rovers P – P Hazlehead United

Aberdeen Trophy Centre Stephen Shield

Semi-Final

Burghmuir P – P Rattrays XI

Aberdeen Trophy Centre Castle Rovers Cup

Quarter-Final

Alford P – PCammachmore

Semi-Final

Torry United P – P JS XI

1st Touch Football Premier Division

Bon Accord City P – P Kincorth
Cove Thistle P – P Great Western United
Kintore P – P Blackburn
Woodside 1 – 1 University

1st Touch Football Division One (North)

Insch P – P Nicolls Amateurs
Tarves P – P Beacon Rangers
University Strollers P – P Ellon Amateurs
West End P – P Don Athletic
Westhill P – P Kaimhill United

1st Touch Football Division One (East)

Banchory P – P Halliburton
MS United P – P Rothie Rovers
Old Aberdonians P – P AC Mill Inn
Portlethen United P – P Johnshaven Athletic
RGU 10 – 0 Newmachar United
Stonehaven Athletic P – P Lads Club Amateurs

1st Touch Football Division Two (North)

Continental P – P University Colts
Ellon Thistle P – P Feughside
FC Polska P – P Grammar FPs
Mintlaw w.o. – scr. Northern United

1st Touch Football Division Two (East)

Glentanar Reflex P – P Glendale XI
McTeagle P – P Postal ALC
St Laurence P – P West End Electrical
Torphins P – P Mugiemoss Youth
Trophies International P – P Theologians

1st Touch Football Division Three

ARI Thistle P – P Newburgh Thistle
Broomhill BC P – P Auchnagatt Barons
Byron Amateurs P – P Bankhead
Fintray Thistle P – P BSFC
Highland Hotel P – P Ferryhill
Huntly Amateurs P – P Great Northern Athletic
Turriff Thistle P – P Monymusk

Cowie started the strongest and tried to play a passing game whilst Mill Inn were using the long ball and the windy conditions in an attempt to get behind the Cowie rearguard.

It was Cowie that took the lead midway through the first half although the goal itself did carry some luck when McDonald turned in the box and what appeared to be an attempted cross sailed over the Park and into the net.

Pressure was mounting on Mill Inn and Fraser, Adie and Ewan all had efforts on goal testing Park in the Mill Inn goal. It was one way traffic at this time and when Mill Inn did mount an attack the Cowie back line held strong and came close to doubling their score when a Watson’s effort crash off the post to safety.

As half time approached Valentine in the Cowie goal saw his first action of the game when a long range effort from Robb was held comfortably.

Mill Inn started the brighter in the second half and had an opportunity to equalise when Robertson was adjudged to control the ball with his hand and the referee awarded a penalty kick to the home team. Mill Inn captain Adam stepped up and confidently slotted the kick home to bring the game level.

The award of the penalty kick seemed to knock Cowie out of their stride briefly and they soon found themselves behind when a Morris free kick was deflected into the corner of the net after Robertson had conceded a foul on the edge of the box.

This setback galvanised Cowie into action and it was only a matter of minutes until they found themselves level. Substitute Penny picked the ball up wide and drove at the Mill Inn defence and as he broke into the box goal scorer Morris appeared to trip Penny resulting in the second penalty of the match. Watson stepped up and sent Park the wrong way to bring the scores level.

Cowie then took the game to Mill Inn and spent the remainder of the game attacking the home goal in search of the winner. Riddell again had a good chance to score but placed his header wide before another Watson effort was pushed wide by Park.

Park was outstanding for the home team and saved at the feet of Fraser who had been played through by Cursiter. This proved to be the final opportunity of the ninety minutes and the game headed to extra time.

In extra time it was Cowie Thistle who found the net through a Fraser volley, and Mill Inn’s chance of getting back into the game was lost when they were reduced to 9 men.

Ties to be  played on Saturday 11th February

Division Three leaders Ferryhill booked their place in the Chattan Rovers Cup final against second place Great Northern Athletic after an impressive victory over Turriff Thistle.

That scenario never looked likely after the first 10 minutes of the game. Turriff started the much hungrier and brighter of the two sides and could have easily been two up inside 4 minutes. Firstly, winger Richard Fisher tested Ferryhill stopper Branton with a low side foot within a minute which he could only parry. Minutes later Clarke Morrison struck the post for Turriff from the angle of the 6 yard box after a defensive mix up.

These near misses evidently shook the hosts into action as they went to dominate the remainder of the half. Ferryhill’s midfielder Calum MacPhee was first to change the pattern of the game as he had an effort scooped off the line by a covering defender.

Striker Graeme Milne was next to make an impact as he glided past a defender before trying a delicate chip over Turriff ‘keeper Fraser who fisted the ball back to Milne who squared it to his strike partner Turbine who mishit the ball and it squirmed away harmlessly.

The home side missed another great opportunity after a graceful team move. Centre mid’ Grant Wood swept the ball wide for winger Hill who beat his man and pulled it back to Milne who sliced the ball wide of the target.

The pressure finally told half way through the first period and as is often the case, it was through a set piece. A driven corner was met by a flying side foot from midfield engine Grant Wood which left the goalkeeper stranded.

Turriff nearly simultaneously equalised from another set piece. A floated free kick fell to target man Fisher who flapped a shot comfortably over.

Shortly after we saw a classic midfield run from Ferryhill man Alan Mackie. He burst from midfield to go one on one with Scott Fraser with absent defenders but the Turriff number 1 saved his side from going further behind blocking a well placed shot from Mackie.

All the chances were falling to Ferryhill and defender Michael Wilson was next to have a go to beat Fraser. A corner fell to the full back on the edge of the box who curled a shot off the bar which bounced down as the league leaders appealed that the ball had crossed the line.

The second goal eventually did come but this time it was from a Ferryhill counter attack as Turriff defender Carder misjudged the flight of the ball and Milne punished him with a drilled effort at the near post to make it 2-0 at the interval.

Turriff would have been hoping to use the wind to their advantage in the second half to try and turn around the game but Ferryhill’s Chris Turbine almost ended that hope a minute into the second half after he knocked the ball past the on rushing Fraser after the ball fell to him at the corner of the 18 yard box.

Turriff didn’t just lie down and accept the knock back as they replied quickly from the penalty spot. Ryan Morrison was brought down as he moved away from goal and playmaker Philip Burnett coolly passed the ball into the net after sending the ‘keeper the wrong way.

Just as it was game on, it was game over. A loose ball fell to that man Graeme Milne who looked offside but with no whistle he didn’t stop to find out as he shrugged off a defender before nudging the ball past Fraser to end Turriff’s dream of a place in the final by making it 4-1 Ferryhill.

Turriff did score again but it was nothing but a consolation. The cup finalists won’t be happy with the defending as striker Mark Robertson was put through from his own ‘keeper’s kick to eventually prod under Phillip Branton to make the score line more respectable.

Ferryhill edged out their opponents after that goal, only restricting them to half chances. This result sets up a final between the top two teams in Division Three which could easily go either way.

A hat-trick from Woodside’s Brian Forbes ensured his side remained at the top of the Premier Division after a 6-3 victory over rivals Kincorth at Kincorth Academy.

Kincorth were in confident mood before the game following their marathon 10-9 penalty shoot-out victory against Dee Amateurs two weeks ago and their 5-3 win over Great Western United last week.

The fierce wind was to become an important factor throughout the match with Kincorth electing to play down the slope with the wind assisting them in the 1st half. Kincorth’s Chris Higgins wasted no time in making his sides intentions known with a fierce shot straight from the kick off.

The rivalry between the two teams was showing and the importance of the top of the table clash resulting in some fierce challenges as both teams strived for dominance. Kincorth continued to push for the first goal and came close from a Mark Hutchins header on 10 minutes.

Woodside’s first attack resulted in the match’s first goal when Brian Forbes clinically dispatched a well worked move from the Woodside midfield.

Kincorth immediately fought back with further chances for Jamie Buchan and commanding centre back, Chris Higgins. Kincorth’s Paul Bowman then grabbed his sides 1st goal after a wind assisted cross from Tony Livingstone deceived the Woodside goalkeeper leaving a simple tap in for Bowman.

On 40 minutes, the temperature of the game was raised when a strong challenge from Woodside’s Nicholas Ferguson resulted in a booking for the player. This seemed to galvanize Kincorth and their constant pressure paid off when Mark Hutchins made it 2-1 to his side. Hutchins pounced when Woodside’s Douglas Gibb hesitated in clearing the ball and made no mistake in finishing under the despairing goalkeeper before half time.

Woodside were now playing downhill with the wind behind them and immediately caused Kincorth problems with the pace and skill of Brian Forbes and James Simpson. It was Simpson who leveled the match at 2-2 with a great individual run giving him the opportunity of sliding the ball past Willox in the Kincorth goal from a tight angle

An incisive break from Kincorth’s Paul Durrand resulted in Woodside’s Douglas Gibb to make a strong challenge on the edge of his box. This forced the referee to make a vital decision on whether it was a professional foul or not and to the dismay of the Kincorth touchline, Gibb was only given a yellow card.

With the game still level at 2-2, Woodside’s James Simpson had several good chances but could not convert, however, on 65 minutes, a corner from Woodside fell to Brian Neil on the edge of the box who struck a fierce shot past Paul Willox in the Kincorth goal to send the Woodside touchline into ecstatic celebrations.

Another well worked move from Woodside left the Kincorth defence isolated and outnumbered and James Simpson neatly chipped Willox to make it 4-2 to Woodside.

On 80 minutes, Kincorth grabbed a 3rd goal to make the last 10 minutes a very tense affair. A high ball caused confusion in the Woodside defence and left Kincorth’s Paul Bowman unmarked to side foot the ball low and hard past the Woodside goalkeeper.

The influence of James Simpson again made the difference as he turned provider for Brian Forbes who sealed Woodside’s victory with his side’s fifth and sixth goal to complete his hat-trick.

Saints had taken the lead after 11 minutes through D Campbell after a long clearance by his keeper which had deceived the Echt defence leaving Milne in the Echt goal exposed to a one on one which was converted by Campbell.

There was no more scoring in the first half and Echt had Milne to thank at the restart when he managed to save a netbound shot with his right foot.

Oban were pushing for a second and were unlucky when Kerr curled a shot from the edge of the box just past the junction of post and bar.

Echt finally got a foot in the game from a ball delivered by Wood went over the last defender and a diving header by Presslie beat Douglas in the home goal.

Echt increased their lead in 80 minutes when a flighted freekick into the Saints box was met by Echt’s Douglas who clipped the ball forward and one bounce later he got his head on the ball to send it past his advancing namesake and into the net.

Four minutes from the end Oban pushed everyone forward and were rewarded when defender Craik’s shot in a crowded box was deflected past the despairing Milne.