Bridgeton United 0 AHSFP's 7

 Ahsfp's travelled to the Fair City of Perth last Saturday to face Bridgeton United in the second round of the Scottish Cup. With United struggling in their respective league, Manager Smith decided to take a gamble ahead of Saturdays cup final and change a winning team to enable a few players to get more match fitness. With a full squad to pick from Smith left himself out completely and was joined by Dott who was carrying a slight injury. Brown, Macintosh and Sharp were brought in for Herps, Wilson and Mike Gall respectively. Mclaren, who'd been out with a broken toe was also back in the fold and took his place on the bench.

 Fp's started the game slowly and struggled to get the ball down. Luckily their opponents didn't have the quality to take advantage and even at half pace the visitors looked the more likely to score. On the quarter hour mark Fp's broke the deadlock with their first passing move of the match. Kidd played in the overlapping Brown and his inch perfect cross was converted at the back post by the incoming FERRIER.

 Still Fp's couldn't find their top gear but showed good character by not allowing United any chance of pulling level. The back four of Riddell, Fenwick, Macintosh and Brown looked assured and ensured that keeper Saunderson was a spectator for all of the first half. Fp's doubled their lead before the half and again full back Brown was the provider. His slide rule pass found the perfectly timed run by KIDD who burst through, rounded the 'keeper and slotted home for his first goal of the season.

Half time: Bridgeton United 0 AHSFP's 2

At half time Manager Smith replaced Fenwick and Dall with Herps and Mike Gall. With more quality the instruction, Fp's came out in the second half in a more determined mood. With wave after wave of attack the United defence were crumbling. From the first corner of the half Kidd whipped in a dangerous cross which a United defender headed into his own net. That was to be Kidds last involvement as he was replaced by Mclaren after picking up a slight strain.

 Mclarens impact was immediate as from his cross FERRIER proded home from close range for his second goal of the game and Fp's fourth. Ferrier then became the provider as his cross left Gall with an open goal but he could only watch in disgust as his marker nipped in front of him and put it in his own net for United's second o.g of the match.

 Fp's fitness was now shining through with especially Macintosh, Herps and Mclarens' stamina reaching new levels. It was their hunger and endevour that was keeping up the motivation against a team who rarely threatened and struggled to even get a shot on goal. Macintosh's team play and raiding runs carved out a window of opportunity for himself but just as it looked like he'd open his account for the season, the shapely United keepers midriff denied him his moment of glory.  

 Substitute Mclaren then claimed his second assist of the game as his corner found the onrushing G.SMITH who tapped home from the six yard box. G.Smith who covered every blade of grass then played in MIKE GALL who found the net at the second time of asking.

The Gall cousins up front were causing havoc and could've had a couple of more goals each but for some poor finishing and heroic goalkeeping from the United keeper. On a more sour note, Fp's may have to do without full back Macintosh for next weeks final as he suffered a nasty back injury late in the day.

 The man of the match award which was voted for by Fp's travelling support was split between two players, Gordon Smith and Kris Ferrier. A mention should also go to young Darren Wilson who didn't get on but will be fired up next week when he returns from his travels for the cup final.

Team:Saunderson, Macintosh, G.Brown, Riddell(c), K.Fenwick, Ferrier, Kidd, Dall, G.Smith, Sharp, Gall, Mike Gall, Herps, S.Mclaren & Wilson.

 Fp's second team had no fixture but return to action this week with an away tie to Barnhill. Fp's first team will contest the Tay Valley Shield Final at Ogilvy Park next week against experienced outfit Ss Peter and Pauls. Kick off is 2pm and Fp's will be hoping for a sizeable support to cheer them to victory.