Match Report - By Steven Mew

City crashed out of the Highland League Cup at the semi-final stage following a disappointing showing against Inverurie Locos at Harlaw Park yesterday afternoon.

Backed by another sizeable travelling support, City toiled from start to finish against a side that they defeated 5-1 just a fortnight ago. It certainly wasn’t one for the purists, with chances few and far between for either side.

Manager Andy Kirk made 2 changes from the side that defeated Huntly last week, with Ewan Loudon and Jordan Northcott coming in for Hamish Thomson and Fraser MacLeod.

With 5 minutes on the clock, City came close following a scramble inside the box – the ball didn’t quite fall for McGrath before Biabi’s effort was deflected over. Truth be told, this was as good as it got for City throughout.

The home side’s first real opening came on 11 minutes when skipper Greg Mitchell fired a shot past the post from range.

Locos would go on to open the scoring midway through the half when SAM ROBERTSON caught Lenny Wilson off his line and the midfielder sent a perfectly weighted lob over the keeper and into the net.

Later in the half, Biabi had a shot deflected straight at the keeper whilst McGrath fired a low shot wide of the far post.

A big improvement was needed from City after the break but unfortunately that didn’t come to fruition as the home side doubled their advantage six minutes in the second half. The ball fell kindly for SAM ROBERTSON on the edge of the box and he guided a volley beyond Wilson and into the corner.

Andy Kirk made a double substitution in attempt to improve his sides fortunes with Koutsimouka and McGrath making way for MacLeod and McDonald.

On the hour mark, a long range drive from Dingwall forced Wilson into a save as the City keeper tipped the effort over the crossbar.

Five minutes later at the other end, an inviting delivery from Bain’s free kick found MacLeod inside the box but home keeper Andy Reid was equal to his effort.

The hosts had the opportunity to put the game beyond doubt five minutes from time when Wilson was adjudged to have brought Mitchell down in the area. Calum Dingwall stepped up to take the spot kick however he slipped and although the ball bounced up into the net, the goal was ruled out due him touching the ball twice.

City huffed and puffed in the closing stages but were unable to pull a goal back. Inverurie will now face Banks O’ Dee at Bellslea Park in the final of the competition.

Full focus will now be on the league for City, with Fraserburgh due to visit Glebe Park this coming Wednesday.

Other Results - Highland League Cup Semi Final

Buckie Thistle 1 Banks O' Dee 1

Banks O' Dee win 3-2 on penalties.