Lochend Fighting Spirit Floors Abos

Old Aberdonians 2 – 3 Lochend

Scottish Amateur Cup Third Round on Saturday 5th November at Balownie

Old Aberdonians faced Lochend AFC from Edinburgh in the third round of the Scottish Cup at Balgownie. The visitors were something of an unknown quantity but their pedigree in the Sunday Scottish Amateur Cup suggested the Abos would not have an easy afternoon.

After some slack passing in the opening stages Old Aberdonians settled into the match and deservedly took the lead. After making good use of the space in wide areas the ball was worked to Wilson who finished accurately.

Lochend seemed to be struggling defensively but always posed a threat with their No.10 enjoying a free role in midfield. The Abos seemed to be comfortably dealing with any threats but when possession was given away inside the home team’s half Lochend capitalised. Accurate passing and intelligent movement off the ball allowed space to open up and the ball was clinically finished to tie the match.

Old Aberdonians did not allow their heads to go down and quickly re-established their lead. A quick break involving several Abos players resulted in the ball falling to the influential Cameron. Despite Lochend managing to get bodies behind the ball the Abos midfielder combined accuracy with power to ensure the ball nestled in the net to give the Abos a 2-1 half-time lead.

Half-time: 2-1

Despite the positive score-line Old Aberdonians failed to start the second half with confidence and Lochend began to take control of possession. Constant pressure soon took its toll on the Abos’ defence and although Lochend did not test MacLeod the ball found its way into the net for the equaliser. When the ball landed in the home side’s penalty area Macarthur was first to the ball but his clearance ricocheted off the Lochend centre forward and into the net.

Lochend seemed to be the only team who looked likely to score the decisive winning goal. When their left winger picked up the ball thirty yards out he evaded the Abos defenders with ease, advanced into the penalty area and smashed the ball into the top right hand corner of the net. The fantastic strike gave Macleod no chance but the Abos’ defending was very disappointing.

With little appetite for a replay Old Aberdonians seemed to fade in the closing stages of the match.
A late, dangerous tackle on Abos’ Barr provided the final talking point of the match. Frustration seemed to get the better of the diminutive midfielder and after some pushing and shoving between the two players both Barr and the Lochend midfielder were red carded.

Inexplicably, the Lochend No.9 also got involved in the fracas and after swinging his arm at Craig he was also sent off. After questioning the referee’s honesty it is unlikely the Lochend centre forward will feature on the pitch until well into 2012.

Old Aberdonians failed to make the most of the numerical advantage and lacked the quality and commitment to score a third goal. They exited the Scottish Cup with little credit and can only be thankful that they will avoid a fixture pile up over the winter months.

Full Time: 2-3

Old Aberdonians – MacLeod, Johnston, Murison, Craig, MacArthur, Barr, Henderson, Cameron, Murt, Marshall, Wilson.

Subs – Russell, Ashton, Fraser. Unused – Robertson, Boutillier