Martin Callum proves to be the difference as Clach beat Strathspey Thistle in Highland League Cup
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Highland League Cup first round
Clachnacuddin 1
Strathspey Thistle 0
Scorer: Callum (75)
Clachnacuddin are through to the Highland League Cup quarter finals as they saw off Strathspey Thistle in a tight encounter at Grant Street Park.
Martin Callum’s goal 15 minutes from time was enough to send the Lilywhites into the draw for the last eight which will take place on Thursday.
Strathspey Thistle were reduced to 10 men in the closing stages when Stephen Rennie was sent off for throwing the ball at an opposition player and picking up a second yellow card.
After a lifeless first half, with neither team creating any chances at goal, the game improved after the break, with Clachnacuddin creating the majority of chances.
The hosts were denied by the woodwork midway through the second half when Connor Bunce unleashed a spectacular volley from Scott Morrison’s cross from the right wing which smacked off the crossbar.
Minutes later Morrison caused panic again as his cross from the right wing found James Anderson who from eight yards out headed his cross inches over the crossbar.
But Clachnacuddin broke the deadlock in the 75th minute when a corner kick eventually fell to Callum and he fired it home from close range to give the Lilywhites the lead.
Clachnacuddin could have doubled their advantage five minutes before full time when Lewis Nicolson’s cross from the left wing found Anderson unchallenged on the edge of the six-yard box, but his shot was well blocked by goalkeeper Michael MacCallum.
Highland League Cup first round results
Buckie Thistle 3 Nairn County 0
Clachnacuddin 1 Strathspey Thistle 0
Deveronvale 2 Rothes 4
Formartine United 0 Brechin City 5
Forres Mechanics 2 Turriff United 1
Inverurie Loco Works 1 Huntly 0
Keith 1 Fraserburgh 4
Wick Academy 0 Brora Rangers 3
