Lossiemouth FC
Match Reports - 21-Sep-2004
- Lossiemouth v Ross County
Caledonia Broadband North of Scotland Cup First Round
Report by Jimmy Shaker; click here for match photos
Lossiemouth 0 Ross County 2
A Lossiemouth side already out of the competition put in a hardworking performance but were beaten by a goal in either half by an experienced Ross County team, who themselves will take no further part in the tournament thanks to Nairn Countys superior goal difference.
County started the better team, knowing they needed a five goal margin to progress, but found Lossie a difficult side to break down. This led to a quiet opening 15 minutes, as both teams looked for a way in which to break the other down.
Lossie were looking good through midfield, as they had against Cove, and Dave Hendry tested the County keeper with a shot from distance. This was followed shortly after by a Simon Allan free kick, which the County keeper saved, conceding a corner in the process. The resulting corner flew low into the box and caused all kinds of problems. When the ball eventually settled, it was at the feet of Scott, who thought his shot had crossed the line, only for the linesman to deny him the opener.
County, meanwhile, were still in the game, and took the lead through KILGANNON from close range.
Lossie continued creating until half time, with two shots from McMullan the closest they came.
HALF TIME – Lossiemouth 0 Ross County 1
Lossie started the second half looking fresh and eager to gain revenge over a County side who had beaten them at Grant Park pre-season. From a free-kick on the wing rolled infield, Youngson carefully placed a shot which had the keeper beaten but dipped just over the bar.
With 25 minutes to go, County were down to 10 men, with MacKay ordered off for hauling down Scott as he raced clean through onto a pass from Ellis. Biscuits took the free-kick from just outside the box but put it over and out for a goal kick.
Biscuits pace was causing problems, and another great pass from midfield saw him clean through. Instead of placing the ball into the goal, however, he lashed it at the keeper, who blocked from close range.
County put the game beyond Lossie with a goal 10 minutes from time, when MCKINLAY curled home a shot from the edge of the box. Unfortunately for County, Nairn go through by virtue of their second half performance against Lossie the previous week.
Lossie can again take heart from a solid performance against an organised opponent, and can look forward to the trip to Nairn County this Saturday, which will hopefully see the Coasters get the better of Nairn at the second attempt.
FULL TIME – Lossiemouth 0 Ross County 2
Team – Dunn, Grigor, Caufield, Rollings, Sim, Youngson, Ellis, McMullan, Scott, Allan, Hendry
Scorers – None
Booked – None;
Sent Off - None
Subs Used – McIntosh (Caufield 45), Noble (Allan 77), Moir (Grigor 84)
Subs Not Used – None