Match Report - By Steven Mew

Report by Steven Mew

City advanced to the fourth round of the William Hill Scottish Cup after a late victory against Buckie Thistle yesterday afternoon at Victoria Park.

Quite remarkably, this was the second trip north to face Buckie Thistle this season, having lost 2-1 to the Highland League champions in the Irn Bru Cup back in August.

Despite the two week break, Darren Dods was still without the injured Andy Jackson and Ryan McGeever, whilst on loan striker Connor McLennan was unavailable as his parent club Aberdeen didn’t grant permission for him to play in the competition.

Finn Graham made a return to the starting eleven after having to settle for substitute appearances in the last few matches. Meanwhile Euan Smith made his first competitive start of the season having returned from a long term injury.

The game got off to a disastrous start for City as they fell behind after just 3 minutes. JOHN MCLEOD, who would prove to be a real thorn in the flesh for City throughout the game, got the better of Gary Fusco and confidently dispatched the ball past the on-rushing Smith to open the scoring.

The home side had their tails up and City were struggling to get a foothold in the game. On the quarter hour mark Callum Murray struck a shot that went just past the post and just a few minutes later the Jags really should have doubled their advantage. John McLeod got behind the City defence to latch onto a long ball before bearing down on goal, however ‘Buzz’ made an excellent save down low to deny the striker.

City grabbed an equaliser against the run of play after 22 minutes. After his initial shot had been palmed away by the keeper, the ball fell kindly again for JORDAN SINCLAIR inside the box and his shot went through a ruck of bodies and with the aid of a slight deflection, the ball rolled past the despairing Daniel Bell for his 3rd goal of the season.

Just after the half hour mark, Finn Graham produced an excellent cross for Kalvin Orsi but he could only head over the bar. At the other end, Steven Ross also had an effort which sailed harmlessly over.

City won a free kick 25 yards from goal after Euan Smith had been fouled, however Finn Graham’s curling effort was too high.

With a couple of minutes left until half time, the home side got their noses in front again. A whipped cross from the right side by Stuart Taylor was met by JOHN MCLEOD who drilled the ball low under the body of Smith and into the net.

Both sides struggled at the start of the second half in the swirling wind and rain. Darren Dods knew he had to change things tactically and he sent on Isaac Layne for Jordan Sinclair ten minutes into the second half in search of a goal.

Finn Graham was causing the Buckie rearguard problems with his direct running – he had the first real chance of the second period when his shot at the near post was palmed away for a corner.

The earlier tactical change by Dods would pay dividends on the hour mark. Liam Watt received the ball inside the box and he squared for ISAAC LAYNE who drilled the ball low past Bell.

City dominated possession in the second half but Buckie were still dangerous on the break. Jay Cheyne had an effort from range which was deflected over the bar for a corner.

With 15 minutes left on the clock, City had a glorious chance to take the lead when Layne was played clean through on goal, but his low shot was well saved by Daniel Bell.

City kept plugging away in search of that elusive goal – Kalvin Orsi had a shot deflected wide whilst Finn Graham had an effort saved at the near post following a cross from the right hand side.

At the other end, Callum Murray shot wide of goal from the edge of the box and just a few minutes later the same player was unlucky not to connect with a cross at the back post with the goal gaping.

With time starting to run out, City grabbed a dramatic winner just four minutes from time. James Dale did well to keep possession inside the box and teed up ISAAC LAYNE who blasted the ball confidently past Bell.

City crucially held out for their first competitive win of the season and will be in the hat for the 4th round draw which will take place on Monday at 4:45pm, screened live on Sky Sports News.