Post by Michael Gray on Jun 3, 2009 10:54:36 GMT
The Highland Cup slipped from United’s grasp after a desperately disappointing showing although the result in the end on the balance of play could not be argued and Groats deserved their place in round 3. The blustery conditions on Saturday certainly did not help United’s cause as they simply failed to utilise the conditions in the first half in total contrast to their opponents. Groats opened the brighter, the busy Larnach who was to be a solid performer throughout giving Gary Mackay a difficult afternoon not very considerate as the full-back was belatedly celebrating his 21st birthday bizarrely he is the fifth longest serving player in the squad, cutting inside on to his right foot but never really threatening Gray’s goal. The temperature on the park started to rise after less than ten minutes when referee Elder booked Garry Macleod for what appeared a blocking challenge but the man in the middle was having none of it. United really were struggling with the conditions and far too often when trying to start an attack it ended with an over hit through ball or a direct pass to Farquhar, which was not paying off. Groats on the other hand were moving the ball about well especially down the left but for all their possession they were struggling to breach the United rearguard although another Larnach break to the byeline did require a timely intervention from Grant Steven after 20 mins. Minutes later assistant referee John halted a superb move, quite possibly their only of the half from United, when Macleod burst through on to a Murray pass but in his attempt to control he accidentally used his arm. The opener came after 30 mins and there was more than a touch of fortune behind it but to be honest no more than Groats deserved on the balance of play, Shearer fed Sutherland just inside the left hand side of the box the striker turned and fired goalwards it struck Skinner and flew right across goal landing perfectly for Larnach to tap into the empty net amid claims from the home side for offside. United were reeling and were desperately looking for a source of inspiration but it was proving elusive even the normally accurate Bell was letting the conditions affect his set-piece delivery.
Half time
Pentland United 0-1 Wick Groats
Whatever was said at half time in the home dressing room certainly appeared to have worked as United roared back into the tie 5 minutes into the half Darryn Mackay and Gary Bell linked to allow the full back to send the ball into the far post where Craig Ross under pressure from Garry Macleod could only turn into his home net for an equaliser based on the first half was undeserved. The home side then enjoyed their best spell in the game Garry Macleod again found space in the box after a fine move involving Farquhar and Murray but he looked for another pass when in fact he should have let fly. Gary Macgregor at the other end let fly with a powerful volley from 25 yards but it flew wide much to Gray’s relief it was end to end stuff but Groats had harnessed the conditions far better than their hosts and they were able to go back to front much easier and effectively than United ever were. Sandy Sutherland almost regained the lead for the Wick side when a feint coming in from the left beat Bell but his low drive to the near post lacked enough power and Gray smothered in his 6 yard box. Groats then introduced former United man Jimmy Budge in place of Craig Ross to try and freshen things up and the tall striker was busy enough but Skinner and Steven were playing well enough and providing a decent barrier. The lead was regained with 15 minutes remaining in the game Sutherland picked the ball up just inside the box on the right hand side with Steven and Murray for company the striker rolled the first challenge then seemed to wait to draw the next and duly went over referee Elder pointed to the spot to the dismay of the home contingent. Kyle Ross assumed the responsibility and blasted the ball centrally at Gray but the keeper did no more than send it straight back at the striker who was in no mood to miss another chance and fired home the rebound. United threw on Begg for Morris as they desperately tried to cling on to their title but it was proving difficult to create chances, Darryn Mackay tried from distance when perhaps his winger in Begg was the better option outside him. Both teams had chances at the death firstly Bell crossed to the near post for Murray who in attempting to generate power headed wide and the Substitute Martin Sutherland fired in a volley from a Sandy Sutherland cross at Gray who parried and Jimmy Budge knocked the rebound wide.
Full time
Pentland United 1-2 Wick Groats
1. M Gray 2. G Mackay 3. G Bell 4. G Steven 5. J Skinner 6. D Mackay 7. G Macleod 20 8. L Sutherland 9. T Farquhar (c) 10. S Morris 11. Murray (Begg 75)
Sub not used
Manson, Mackay, Gray
View from the goal
No arguments with the result the better team won on the day but the display was very disappointing understand the conditions were difficult but our option taking and passing was truly dreadful. Good luck to Groats in the remainder of the competition they have a chance of going far in the cup and who knows when the draw becomes open. We now have to pick ourselves up for the visit of Lybster on Wednesday. We need to start taking greater responsibility on the ball, finding space and using the ball better. Still 3 trophies to play for so must get the heads up and fight on.
Half time
Pentland United 0-1 Wick Groats
Whatever was said at half time in the home dressing room certainly appeared to have worked as United roared back into the tie 5 minutes into the half Darryn Mackay and Gary Bell linked to allow the full back to send the ball into the far post where Craig Ross under pressure from Garry Macleod could only turn into his home net for an equaliser based on the first half was undeserved. The home side then enjoyed their best spell in the game Garry Macleod again found space in the box after a fine move involving Farquhar and Murray but he looked for another pass when in fact he should have let fly. Gary Macgregor at the other end let fly with a powerful volley from 25 yards but it flew wide much to Gray’s relief it was end to end stuff but Groats had harnessed the conditions far better than their hosts and they were able to go back to front much easier and effectively than United ever were. Sandy Sutherland almost regained the lead for the Wick side when a feint coming in from the left beat Bell but his low drive to the near post lacked enough power and Gray smothered in his 6 yard box. Groats then introduced former United man Jimmy Budge in place of Craig Ross to try and freshen things up and the tall striker was busy enough but Skinner and Steven were playing well enough and providing a decent barrier. The lead was regained with 15 minutes remaining in the game Sutherland picked the ball up just inside the box on the right hand side with Steven and Murray for company the striker rolled the first challenge then seemed to wait to draw the next and duly went over referee Elder pointed to the spot to the dismay of the home contingent. Kyle Ross assumed the responsibility and blasted the ball centrally at Gray but the keeper did no more than send it straight back at the striker who was in no mood to miss another chance and fired home the rebound. United threw on Begg for Morris as they desperately tried to cling on to their title but it was proving difficult to create chances, Darryn Mackay tried from distance when perhaps his winger in Begg was the better option outside him. Both teams had chances at the death firstly Bell crossed to the near post for Murray who in attempting to generate power headed wide and the Substitute Martin Sutherland fired in a volley from a Sandy Sutherland cross at Gray who parried and Jimmy Budge knocked the rebound wide.
Full time
Pentland United 1-2 Wick Groats
1. M Gray 2. G Mackay 3. G Bell 4. G Steven 5. J Skinner 6. D Mackay 7. G Macleod 20 8. L Sutherland 9. T Farquhar (c) 10. S Morris 11. Murray (Begg 75)
Sub not used
Manson, Mackay, Gray
View from the goal
No arguments with the result the better team won on the day but the display was very disappointing understand the conditions were difficult but our option taking and passing was truly dreadful. Good luck to Groats in the remainder of the competition they have a chance of going far in the cup and who knows when the draw becomes open. We now have to pick ourselves up for the visit of Lybster on Wednesday. We need to start taking greater responsibility on the ball, finding space and using the ball better. Still 3 trophies to play for so must get the heads up and fight on.