COYLE AT THE DOUBLE AS UNITED MARCH ON!
In front of a healthy crowd at Pavilion Park the supporters were treated to an exciting game, with both teams well matched. United dominated the first half with a wave of attacks but could not find the back of the net with Tait, Pugh, Barret and Morrison all going close.
The home side, not to be outdone, looked dangerous on the break and No. 9 and 11 were proving to be a real handful for United’s defence.
The second half gained momentum and some strong tackles were now taking place, which added spice to the game. The referee was called upon to be more assertive, as he had been rather poor with his decision making in the previous half. Cunningham was proving to be solid in defence and Clark was becoming more dominant and self assured as well.
United keeper Cardno to his credit, brought off some fine saves throughout the match and held well from a dangerous cross ball. As the game progressed United’s flank players were beginning to find space behind the Ord defence with balls being fired in across the goal but alas no takers.
In the last 30 minutes United forced a number of corners with Bains header being cleared off the line. Another corner saw a packed penalty area with the Ord keeper bringing off a great save to keep the scores level.
Play swung to the other end of the park with United under pressure from a high in-swinging ball that the Ord striker failed to connect with.
A tactical switch 15 minutes from time, by United coaches Willie Duncan and Ian Wright, who switched Barret and Coyle, which was to prove very fruitful. Barret beat his man and raced down the wing cutting the ball back across the 18yd box with the hard working Pugh battling for the ball with the defender. With both failing to connect, Coyle had read the situation and cut inside to collect the ball and side step the defender to slot the ball home with the Ord defence all at sea to the delight of the visiting support!
It was to prove a nervous last 10 minutes. Towards the end, the Ord forward outpaced the United defence but Cardno came off his line
and managed to push him wide of goal. That split second when it looked to be the equalizer, as the ball was side footed by the striker towards the near post, but the on rushing Bain managed to turn the ball round the post for a corner.
Minutes later, Coyle again found space from another United attack and as before his shot beat the keeper to make the score 2-0 to finish any threat of the home team making a come back.
The club would like to thank the parents and supporters who made the long trek north. I am sure you would have enjoyed what proved to be an exciting match.
The hospitality which was provided after the game by Muir of Ord was very much appreciated and we wish them well in their
Caledonian North League campaign.
Formartine will now face Huntly at North Lodge Park on Sunday the 11th October in the second round of the cup with a 1 p.m. kick off.
Formartine Team: Cardno, Bain ©, Johnston, Clark, Cunningham, Tait, Barret, Symon, Pugh, S. Morrison, Coyle
Subs: Davidson (used), Knight, Lynch, Gallagher, Bremner |
