Played at Saughton Enclosure Edinburgh
County knew they were up against 1st class opposition when they were drawn against the Scottish Champions, in this 3rd round Scottish Cup tie.
With 2 key players out of the side,(michael g & tom g), this was going to be an even tougher match for County. But, after about 15 minutes gone it was Hutchie Vale coaches who were most worried. Although Huthie passed the ball around really well, County held firm and created the most chances.
County then scored a contender for 'goal of the season' after about 20 minutes gone: Joe, picked up the ball on right side of field and passed to Craig, Craig side-stepped a challenge and hit a precision diagonal ball to Paul on the left. Paul wizzed past 2 defenders and crossed to Jack who held off a defender and hit a suberb shot from about 18 yards to finish - just like the instinctive striker he is.
Huthie continued to move the ball with skill, creating time and space, but everyone the County lads was fired-up, fighting hard for every ball and working tirelessly for each other with some of their best play of the season. Lewis was only tested once in the first half, when he got behind a thunder bolt shot from the Hutchie midfielder.
HT Hutchie 0 - County 1
Just after half time the ref' awarded Hutchie a soft free kick, and their full back hit it high into the corner of the net, 1-1. Lewis had no chance.
County responded with some brilliant play. Liam's skills were dazzling, turing the Hutchie vale defenders inside out, creating space, and driving the ball across the penalty box, catching out everyone - including the County fowards!! As this highly entertaining game progressed Hutchie's passing was begining to pay off as the County lads were made to expend great amounts of energy.
Eventually, Hutchie broke through twice and scored on both occassions with deadly finishing. Although County kept up their pressing play and created more scoring opportunities, it wasn't to be their day.
Final score 3-1.
Well done to Hutchison Vale and good luck for the rest of the competition.
Coaches MOM - Kevin - See report below
Supporters MOM Jack - See report below
How they played:
Lewis: Good handling - inspired confindence through-out. Had little chance to stop the goals.
Euan: Great energy, did what was asked and did it well. One particular sliding tackle was a moment to remember.
Kevin: Strolled through the game with confidence and authority at the heart of the defence. A brilliant performance of stength and skill.
Tam: Defensively sound. Didn't make a wrong move and brought stability to a frantic match.
Anton: Always able to deny the opposition possession on the ball - another good display. Limped off just after half-time with calf injury.
Paul: Showed a clear pair of heels to the Huthie defenders more than once. Set up goal and created other chances despite being tightly marked.
Calum: Showed excellent creative and defensive qualities - a contender for MOM. A tireless display
Mark: Brought calmness to the game, worked very hard showing good positional play and skill. Always a threat to the opposition.
Joe: Another MOM contender. Joe played with gusto and dilegence. His positional play was to be admired, working back when it was needed and creating break-away runs.
Craig: A real motivator and creator on the pitch. Did not stop running and working hard for the team. Set up a number of chances and was unlucky not to score.
Jack: Nothing less than excellent. Led from the front and tracked back to help the defence... and what a goal! (Jack was also singled out for praise by the Hutchie coach).
Liam: Great skill and genious on the ball. Created the magic moment of the game when he skinned the Hutchie defenders with trickery and speed. Worked hard in tackling and support role.
Leo: Stood up to the challenge of playing out-of-postion (due to Anton's injury) and stood up very well indeed, coping with skilful forwards and breaking down attacks.
Dougie: Caused problems with fast movement and skill up front. Always in the right place and always a danger to the opposition.
