Match Report - By Steven Mew

A hat-trick from Danny Handling helped City on their way to a comprehensive victory over Turriff United at the Carnegie Fuels Stadium at Glebe Park yesterday afternoon.

Handling’s first hat-trick in City colours was sandwiched by goals from Grady McGrath and Euan Spark gave City a real confidence boost ahead of a crunch fixture away to Buckie Thistle in midweek.

Manager Gavin Price made just the two changes from last weekends victory over Clachnacuddin as Fraser MacLeod and Murray Mackintosh returned to the starting 11 at the expense of Seth Patrick and Luke Strachan who dropped to the bench.

In front of a healthy crowd of 569, City were first to threaten after 4 minutes when Murray Mackintosh cut the ball back for Grady McGrath inside the box but he couldn’t keep his effort down and just two minutes later, another dangerous delivery from Mackintosh was pushed away by David Dey in goal.

With 16 minutes on the clock, City made the breakthrough. Murray Mackintosh made a surging run from midfield and threaded a ball through for Ewan Loudon who had timed his run to perfection – although he was denied by the on-rushing keeper, GRADY MCGRATH was on hand to covert the rebound from the edge of the box despite the best efforts of a Turriff defender on the line.

Just over five minutes later City put clear daylight between the sides with a second goal. Fraser Macleod fired a cross into the centre of the box for DANNY HANDLING to guide a first time volley into the corner.

However just before the half hour mark, the visitors reduced the deficit. A free kick from the right hand side found the unmarked DYLAN STUART who sidefooted beyond the helpless Wilson to pull one back.

There was almost an immediate reaction from City as just a minute after conceding, Ewan Loudon took a Mackintosh pass in his stride and showed great strength to shake off a couple of challenges before flashing a shot just past the far post.

City kept up the pressure towards the end of the half with Euan Spark providing a fine low cross for Ewan Loudon who was denied by the feet of the keeper. Jamie Richardson looked the latch onto the loose ball and appeared to be brought down inside the box, however referee Mike Roncone waved away the claims.

The home side would come even closer a minute later when Loudon cut the ball back for Danny Handling who struck the crossbar from 8 yards.

Marc Scott replaced Ryan Ferguson at the break and City came flying out the traps in the second half. Ewan Loudon made a run down the right hand side of the box before playing a neat reverse pass into the path of Danny Handling who had the keeper beaten, but a Turriff defender managed to block the goalbound effort.

The resulting corner whipped in by Kevin McHattie caused chaos inside the penalty area and Grady McGrath managed to flick the ball back for DANNY HANDLING to smash home from close range.

After just coming on at half time, Marc Scott limped off to be replaced by Craig Tosh and the winger nearly made an immediate impact when he got in behind the defence to latch onto a Fraser MacLeod pass but he could only find the side netting.

Two minutes later, Jamie Richardson won a free kick in an inviting position on the edge of the box and Grady McGrath’s strike looked destined for the top corner, however Dey did well to palm away.

Richardson’s pace and trickery was causing issues for the visitors defence and he managed to weave his way past two defenders before a Turriff defender was penalised for handball inside the 18-yard box. With two goals to his name already, it was little surprise to see DANNY HANDLING step up to convert the spot kick to complete his hat-trick.

Ten minutes from time, City made it 5-1 through captain EUAN SPARK. Fraser MacLeod whipped an inch-perfect free kick into the danger area for the City skipper to power a header beyond Dey for his 4th goal of the season.

As the game approached stoppage time, City very nearly made it 6 when Matthew Wright made an intelligent flick onto the path of Craig Tosh who bore down on goal but his strike rippled the side netting.

Overall it was a convincing performance from City ahead of a crucial trip to face Buckie Thistle at Victoria Park on Wednesday evening (8pm KO).

Other Results - Breedon Highland League

Formartine United 1 Banks O' Dee 4

Forres Mechanics 0 Nairn County 0

Fraserburgh 5 Rothes 0

Huntly 1 Brora Rangers 0

Inverurie Locos 1 Keith 2

Lossiemouth 3 Deveronvale 3

Strathspey Thistle 2 Clachnacuddin 1

Wick Academy 3 Buckie Thistle 1