Saturday 26 August
Qualifying Cup 1st Round: Huntly 2 Clachnacuddin 4
Got an opinion on this game? To submit your own and read others click here

Huntly's miserable cup run continued after letting a 2-0 lead slip before suffering their seventh straight cup defeat writes Grant Turner.

After making an impact as a half time replacement last week, striker Richie Taylor was ruled out today with a knee injury. Simon Scott came in for Colin Robertson in the midfield while Alan Redford returned from injury to take a place on the bench.
Prior to kick-off, there was a minutes silence for former Huntly Captain Sandy Finnie, the defender who captained Huntly to cup wins in the 70s, Finnie sadly passed away this week.

It was the home side who were the first to go close with Ross Campbell's 20 yard effort heading towards the top corner by Ally Ridgers managed to get a hand on it before it was cleared by the defence.

Shortly after the quarter hour mark, good link-up play from Simon Scott and Richard Craig set up Russell Guild. Guild's shot was driven low forcing Ridgers to dive low to save.

The woodwork came to Huntly's rescue in 22 minutes. Chris Anton swung a free kick into the back post as Gary Ross rose to head the ball only to see his effort come off the far post.

After 574 minutes without scoring in cup competition, Huntly took the lead halfway through the first half thanks to Richard Craig who made it three in two games for the Black and Golds. Gary McGowan picked the ball up in the on the edge of the area and slid it into the path of the striker who raced forward before placing it into the bottom corner of the net.

Shortly after a miss hit clearance by Ross Bremner fell to Gary Ross but his first time effort flew high and wide from 35 yards as the blunder almost lead to a leveller.

In the final action of the half Neil Reid's run down the wing saw him cut inside before firing in a shot that Ally Ridgers turned around the post for another corner.

Half Time: Huntly 1 Clachnacuddin 0

It looked as though Huntly had the game sewn up in the 54th minute when Richard Craig's trademark long throw into the box saw Ally Ridgers commit to claiming it only to fumble for Neil Reid who shot under the keeper and into the net.

However it seemed to spark a fightback of incredible proportions. Three minutes later the Lilywhites scored with their first shot on target, but what a shot it was! Blair Lawrie fired a 30 yard free kick up and over the wall in a bulleted effort that nested into the bottom corner leaving the keeper helpless.

In the 63rd minute Blair Lawrie played the ball through to Chris Ross on the right wing and his cross to Alex Bone saw the unmarked veteran head powerfully home from eight yards to level.

Anton got forward on the wing in 74 minutes to cross for G Ross in the penalty area, but his effort was turned behind for a corner. Five minutes later, Bremner was called into action to tip over a G Ross shot.

The next goal was going to be crucial and it came for Clach. Chris Anton ran clear down the right wing and with time to measure his cross he picked out Blair Lawrie who seemed to ease past three defenders to net with a diving header that flew past Ross Bremner low to his left.

In the 83rd minute a push from Ross Campbell on Alex Bone lead to a penalty kick being awarded and the league's top scorer stepped up to fire the ball home from 12 yards to seal Clach's place in the second round.