(26/08/2023 – GPH BUILDERS MERCHANTS HIGHLAND LEAGUE CUP -FIRST ROUND – GRANT PARK, LOSSIEMOUTH)
LOSSIEMOUTH made a disappointing exit from the GPH Builders Merchants Highland League Cup at the first hurdle after losing at home to STRATHSPEY THISTLE. A grim encounter was settled three minutes from time by an Owen Paterson penalty, send Strathspey through to the last eight.
Lossie continued with the services of Oliver Kelly in goals, going up against his side from last season. Strathspey started with Owen Paterson – brother of Lossie’s Ross – as the two faced off for the first time.
The Coaster started the game well and the three amigos of Ryan Stuart, Dean Stewart and Liam Archibald tested Strathspey goalkeeper Steve Martin. Stewart sent Martin flying across goal to get both hands to a goalbound effort, which resulted in a Lossie corner. Stewart headed over from the resulting flag kick, while Ryan Stuart drew a save from a shot from just outside the area.
Strathspey came more into the game as Lossie’s chances came to nothing, with Ross Logan and Michael McKenzie both giving the hosts grief, but Oliver Kelly remained underemployed in the Lossie goal.
HALF TIME – LOSSIEMOUTH 0-0 STRATHSPEY THISTLE
Anyone hoping for a livelier second half was in for a disappointment, as Lossie clammed up and Strathspey grew in confidence. With the score still goalless and progress to the last eight still possible for both sides, you could cut the tension in the air with a spoon, but neither set of players could create clear openings.
The pattern of second half began to test the patience of all involved, with grumbles of discontent aired from players, management and supporters. The game was more than an hour old when it finally began to open up, aided by the freshening up of the teams by subs. Ross Morrison and Fergus Edwards were huckled onto the pitch to try and gee things up, but Strathspey did likewise and the stalemate continued.
With touchline conversations now drifting away from the game itself and to administrative matters such as ‘how is this decided after a draw? Extra time or penalties?’ the game was decided by a penalty with three minutes of normal time to play. Oliver Kelly had the ball in his possession and placed it on the ground ready to launch it downfield, only for Owen Loveland to make a nuisance of himself in front of the goalkeeper. Kelly hauled Loveland to the ground as the two tangled for the ball and Harry Bruce pointed to the spot. Owen Paterson sent Kelly the wrong way from twelve yards.
Despite going a goal down so late on, Lossie almost forced a penalty shoot-out in the final minute. James Leslie found time to shoot from inside the area and his low drive was heading for the net before being blocked by Allan Kerr on the line. The final whistle came soon after, to the blessed relief of all concerned.
Lossie have the chance to quickly make amends for the loss as they get back in the saddle for a midweek trip to Nairn County in midweek, ahead of a jaunt to darkest Torry and a game against Banks O’ Dee.
FULL TIME – LOSSIEMOUTH 0-1 STRATHSPEY THISTLE
TEAMS…
LOSSIEMOUTH – Oliver Kelly; Brodie Mitchell (James Leslie (46)), Jared Kennedy (Michael Weir (88)), Dean Stewart, Lewis Mcandrew, Liam Archibald (Fergus Edwards (76)), Ross Paterson, Ryan Stuart, Brandon Hutcheson, Ryan Farquhar, Fraser Forbes (Ross Morrison (65)); UNUSED SUBS – Ross Archibald, Cameron Farquhar
STRATHSPEY THISTLE –Steve Martin; Owen Paterson, Caelan Mutch, Allan Kerr, James McShane, Jack Davison, Jack McKay, Ross Logan (William Urquhart (90)), Joe Cuthbert (Owen Loveland (76)), Iain Ross (Seamus McConaghy (65)), Michael McKenzie; UNUSED SUBS – Liam Grant, Ruaridhri Nicol
GOALS:
STRATHSPEY THISTLE – Owen Paterson (87, pen)
REFEREE: Harry Bruce
