Menziehill 2 AHSFP's 3

FP's travelled to Lochee to play Menziehill in the quarter finals of the gray trophy. Manager Smith made two changes from the previous game with keeper Saunderson back in goal and top marksman Gall, taking up his usual position up front replacing the unavailable Triggs. D.Smith, Reid and veterans Hay and Harrison made up the subs bench.

 Arriving late to the ground, meaning no proper warm up cost Fp's in the early stages of the game. 'Hill opened the scoring only minutes in. A swift counter attack left the Fp's defence wanting and the 'Hill forward headed home from an accurate cross.

 'Hill should've scored again but their midfielder fired high over the bar from only six yards. Sweeper Riddell had his work cut out as the rest of his team mates struggled to get into the game. Several tackles and interceptions by the young defender kept the rampant 'Hill at bay. Gradually though Fp's began to find their way and managed to sneak an equalizer. A long Dall throw to the front post was headed into the far corner by towering striker MATTY GALL for his twenty fourth of the season.

 Fp's should've taken the lead when Kidds corner was met by the head of Humphreys but his effort went wide from only six yards out. Fenwick and Riddell were fortunate not to recieve bookings with two now familiar thumping tackles, leaving two 'Hill players motionless on the pitch.

 The referee though was having a fine match allowing play to continue as much as possible and also not being intimidated from the usual abuse dealt out by city teams.

 Kidd then had a chance to score just before half time when Gall played him through but his left foot shot failed to find the target.

Half time Menziehill 1 AHSFP's 1

 The second half didn't start well for the visitors when Kidd failed to track his man and the 'Hill full back cut inside and struck home from inside the box.

 The tiring Lawson was then substituted for D.Smith. Saunderson then came to the Fp's rescue when a 'Hill forward found himself unmarked but the keeper smartly saved down low.

 Kidd who struggled to find his form was then replaced by Reid. His impact was immediate. A good inter change between Ferrier and G.Smith resulted with the latter pulling the ball back into the six yard box. The ball was put home by the incoming PAUL REID who had got in front of his marker.

 With the match now evenly poised both teams were desperate for victory. Fp's though were dominating midfield and some dangerous balls over the top of the 'Hill defence were causing the homesters problems. Persistance from D.Smith and Ferrier set up a half chance for Gall but he couldn't make clean contact with his attempted volley.

 Five minutes from time Fp's got the winner. G.Smith was fouled on the right wing. D.Smith's pin point delivery was met on the head by centre back JOHN HUMPHREYS and he glanced his header passed the dispairing 'Hill keeper.

 'Hill did press in the closing minutes when they were awarded a direct free kick after Dall handled on the edge of the box. The free kick was hit too high and Fp's breathed a sigh of relief. Dall though continued his protest about the award and recieved an unessaccery booking. Still unable to accept the decision Dall was then subsituted before he was sent off. Veteran Hay took his place in midfield for his first appearance in the first team for several years.

 Man of the match was closely contested by Riddell and Humphreys but was edged by Humphreys for his winning goal.

Team: Saunderson, Riddell, Fenwick, Humphreys, Dall, G.Smith(c), Ferrier, Lees, Gall, Kidd, Lawson, D.Smith, Reid, Hay & Harrison.