Welfare's Capaldi Cup finalists are settled
With the confusion surrounding last week’s postponed Aviemore derby still resonating through the fixtures list, the game was finally played on Tuesday night, and proved to be well worth the wait.
Aviemore Thistle 4 – 8 Aviemore RBL
Both defences had weakened back fours which led to an exciting game in Carrbridge for players and spectators alike. RBL started the first half playing down the slope but it was Thistle who opened the most dangerous side. During the first half the Jags could have scored half a dozen were in not for the combination of poor finishing, the woodwork, stout defending and an on-fire Ronnie McFee in goal for the Legion.
But chances do not win games, and the Legion capitalised on this fact by stealing the opening goal when Ryan McConnell used his pace to outfox the defence before cutting inside to score. Thistle were clearly stunned, and it only got worse for them when McConnell produced a carbon copy goal minutes later to double the Legion’s advantage.
McConnell was gifted the opportunity to bag his hat-trick from the penalty spot 10 minutes later, but sent his strike wide, and failed to cause Thistle much more problems after that for the remainder of the game. Alan Docherty grabbed his own brace before half time, with Thistle replying through a Daz McConnell penalty to go in at the interval 4-1 down.
Early in the second half however Thistle seemed revitalised, and two rapid fire breakaway goals from Julian Orsi and Duncan Will suddenly changed the game. RBL now found themselves hanging on and defending deep. But Thistle effectively handed the game to RBL when Dean Minard was pushed in the box as he ran onto a great cross from McConnell. Alan Docherty made no mistake from the spot to secure his hat-trick and give the Legion a vital cushion.
Thistle’s confidence and fitness began to wane, and RBL took control. They then scored the best goal of the game when Docherty went on a blistering run up the left wing, leaving defenders in his wake, before whipping over a perfect cross which was met full tilt with a bullet header by Dean Minard.
The writing was on the wall now for Thistle, and at 6-3 there was no way back. The legion underlined their dominance with another two goals from Brian Minard and Alan Docherty. Thistle’s Julian Orsi, who had a great game throughout, did manage a late consolation strike however, and brought a highly entertaining game to its conclusion.
Strathspey Thistle Colts 4 – 2 Tomatin Utd
The two teams had met in Cromdale recently in the league, with Tomatin winning on that occasion. But on this occasion it would be Strathspey who would gain revenge for the earlier defeat.
It was the visitors who started brightest and seemed well motivated as they strived to get into their first cup final of the season. And they deservedly took the lead after 12 minutes when Murray Manson was clear down the right wing and his cross-cum-shot was deflected into the net off an unfortunate Strathspey defender. But the home side began to come more into the game after that and got a deserved equaliser midway through the half when young Josh Race continued his good scoring run with a fine finish.
It remained 1-1 at half-time despite some good chances for both teams.
Into the second half and Colin Campbell passed-up two good early chances for United, which Strathspey clinically punished on 70 minutes. Careless play by Tomatin’s forwards gave the ball away, and the Jags broke quickly up field. Josh Race duly netted his second easily past Gary Stuart in the United goal.
Both sides brought on some fresh legs, and with 10 minutes left Tomatin levelled the game when Callum Fyfe finished off from close range. The match looked to be heading for extra time but 5 minutes from time Strathspey took the lead once more, with Josh Peters showing sharpness to finish well.
Tomatin were pushing hard with the little time remaining to force extra time but they left themselves exposed at the back and were punished when Sam McIlroy broke quickly and added a fourth to finish off the tie.
The referee also had to show a red card to Tomatin’s Hector Bryden after a tussle with an opponent which had both players squaring up to one another. Both saw yellow, but as Bryden has already been booked in the first half the referee had little option but to give him his marching orders.
There was yet more drama to unfold after the final whistle had sounded when, with most players in the dressing room, some discussion occurred between the controversial Tomatin goalkeeper Gary Stuart and the referee, which resulted in the big keeper also receiving a red card. It was a disappointing end to what had been a good cup tie.
So it will be the young Speysiders who will compete in the final later this month where they will face either Kingussie or Aviemore RBL.