Match Report - By Steven Mew

City put on a five-star showing to sweep aside Formartine United to progress to the 2nd round of the Highland League Cup yesterday afternoon.

With Manager Andy Kirk self-isolating, Club Advisor Craig Levein and Assistant Stephen Simmons took charge of the side.

There were three changes to the side that defeated Clachnacuddin last weekend, with Kieran Inglis, Cammie Ross and Julian Wade all coming into the starting 11.

City started slowly with the home side first to threaten after 5 minutes when Graeme Rodger’s shot was pushed away by Wills for a corner.

Backed by another sizeable away support, City started to take control and Marc Scott’s cross just didn’t quite fall for Inglis at the back post with the ball bobbling off his knee and wide of goal.

Playing in a more advanced position, Inglis threatened again two minutes later when he connected with Kucheriavyi’s cross however MacDonald was equal to the effort.

City got the goal that their play deserved after 23 minutes when Wade laid off a pass for the advancing KIERAN INGLIS who lashed home an unstoppable strike high into the net.

The advantage was doubled on the stroke of half time as CAMMIE ROSS grabbed his first goal for the club. The ex-Broxburn attacker weaved his way past two challenges inside the box and despite losing his footing, he managed to compose himself to fire low into the far corner.

Going in with a comfortable lead at the break, City went from strength to strength in the second half. A rasping 20 yard drive from Scott was kept out by a one-handed save from MacDonald and several minutes later, Paton cut the ball back for Wade inside the box but he could only fire straight at the keeper.

Shortly before the hour mark, the tie was more or less ended as a contest when City grabbed a third goal through MARC SCOTT. A neat passing move on the edge of the box culminated in the top scorer being played in on goal and he made no mistake, clipping high into the far corner.

City continued to apply pressure with Inglis heading over from Bain’s deep cross, before JULIAN WADE added a 4th goal in the 67th minute. Paton provided the delivery from the corner and the Dominican rose highest to nod past MacDonald.

The home side rarely threatened against a stubborn City defence, however Wills was called into action to keep out a free kick from on-loan Aberdeen attacker Kevin Hanratty.

The scoring was rounded off 13 minutes from time by the impressive CAMMIE ROSS who curled a delightful strike into the far corner.

Despite City’s passage into the next round of the competition already assured, they continued to push for more in the closing stages with Kucheriavyi and Inglis both shooting over from range.

Overall, an impressive showing from City as they continue their fine run of form. Next up is a trip to face Turriff United at the Haughs this coming Wednesday with an 8pm kick off.