AHSFP 1    v   Riverside Athletic 4  North of Tay Cup quarter final - Hercules Den, Arbroath

  The FPs had Saunderson back in goal, with Fenwick in defence with, Kidd in mdfield and Sharp up front, and had Mcintosh, Lawson, and Matty Gall all unavailable from last weeks team. The FPs started brightly and took the game to Riverside, who did not look comfortable at the back as Sharp and Michael Gall led the line for the FPs. The FPs were committed in the tackle and the game was played at a hectic pace and after some decent play from the FPs, Riverside went close to scoring when a direct free kick just on the edge of the FPs box, skimmed the crossbar. The FPs responded with a fine attack and Riverside conceded a corner as they defended in depth. The corner kick was taken by Smith, and headed home by LEES to put the FPs 1-0 ahead. Riverside looked rattled and the FPs had a fine chance to add to their lead via Gall but he was unable to get his shot away as he was quickly closed down. The FPs had control of the game, winning the midfield battle with Dall and Lees dominant, prompted by Smith. The FPs went into the half satisfied with their first half showing but well aware there was plenty to do to win the tie and advance to the semi-finals for the first time in their history.

Half Time AHSFP 1  v   Riverside Athletic  0

   Riverside started the second half on the ascendancy as they pushed for an equaliser but the FPs stood firm under a barrage of attack. The FPs defence were offered little respite as the FPs were unable to retain the ball long enough as they were hustled out of possession up front and in midfield, and after approximately fifteen minutes into the half, the visitors were rewarded after some fine build up play, their forward found himself with a fairly easy side foot shot to equalise at 1-1. The FPs formation was now matched by Riverside and as the FPs gave away possession to constant pressure, Riverside took the lead from a corner which was headed home by their centre forward to make it 2-1. The FPs managed to retain some possession and had a chance with a direct free kick near the Riverside goal, but Smith missed the target with his effort. The FPs replaced Gall with Lyons. Saunderson then produced a brilliant parried save from a goal bound deflection to keep the FPS hopes alive, but Riverside sealed the game with a clinical finish form a corner to make it 3-1. The challenges were thick and fast from both teams, and Riddell had a fine ball winning tackle which the whole of the Riverside team and line took exception too, and he was booked for his tackle after the melee calmed down. He was substituted soon after by Brown, and Riverside scored again as the FPs sought a consolation goal , they were punished for a slip up as Riverside made it 4-1.
      It was disappointing conclusion to a fine campaign from the FPs in the North of Tay, with all players giving their all on the day but they were beaten by the better team in the second half.  


Full Time AHSFP 1  v   Riverside Athletic 4

Squad: Saunderson, Riddell, Humphreys, Fenwick, K.Ferrier, D.Smith, Sharp, Dall,  Kidd, Lees,Gall subs :  Lyons,Brown