Fjordhus Reivers 1
Erskine Stewart’s Melville II 2
SCOTTISH DISTRICT CUP FIRST ROUND
REIVERS always welcome the challenge of playing teams from a higher league and last Sunday’s fixture was no exception.
Captain Jonathan Fletcher, now with a more settled side, urged his men to do the simple things well, but quicker. They must have listened because they were not overawed by the capital outfit and restricted them to a few attacks. Most were resolved by solid, determined defending, not least by Paul Conkie whose goal-line clearance prevented the Borderers from going behind.
At the other end, the Reivers started to gain some success and this was eventually rewarded, with Gareth Roberts slotting home from short range to give an advantage that did not look under threat for the rest of the half.
The second period started in the same vein with the Reivers looking the stronger in an end-to-end battle that stretched the play in all directions, enforced by a defensive unit that was not in the mood to give an inch.
After Callum Stockdale hit the post and other chances were not taken, the score stayed unchanged until the last 10 minutes when ESM were able to equalise from a penalty corner when a well-hit ball was deflected into the roof of the net.
Neither team wanted to go to a penalty shoot-out, and both sides strove for the win. It came down to an unavoidable foot on the line for ESM to be awarded a penalty which was converted with the last action of the match.
Overall, a good performance from the Reivers – but unfortunately not enough. The men now progress to the Plate competition where the Reivers have enjoyed success in the past.
Fjordhus Reivers: B. Scott, P. Conkie, C. Stockdale, D. Johnstone, S. Girvan, G. Lofthouse, J. Fletcher, B. Cullam, C. Darling, G. Roberts, C. D. Stockdale, J. Lamb.