Formartine United 0 Forfar Athletic 2
Scottish Cup, Second Round
Saturday 23 October 2021
North Lodge Park, Pitmedden
A first half penalty converted by Scott Shepherd in the 33rd minute and a second half 61st minute strike by Grant Anderson were enough to put the Loons into the draw for the Third Round of the Scottish Cup. A red card for Andy Munro after a second yellow card put a dampener on the afternoon but with a number of changes to the starting eleven Gary was happy with the win and the clean sheet.
“I am obviously pleased to get into the next round - we knew it was going to be a physical game and Formatine are a good side. We played them earlier this season at Forfar when they gave a good account of themselves (in the Challenge Cup). They have strengthened since then with a couple of young lads from Aberdeen and they showed in the first half they would make it difficult for us. To be honest we've played better but all credit to Formartine for the intensity they showed.
"We improved in the second half and started to move the ball about better. The second goal put us in control with half an hour to go but we then came under a bit of pressure following Andy’s (Munro) sending off. It didn’t look like two bookings to me and I’ve now got a key player who will miss the next round which is obviously disappointing. I think the game was affected by several decisions which was frustrating for both sides. But as I say I'm pleased we are in the next round. As a player I’ve been involved in a lot of tricky away ties like this where you must dig in deep. I thought the players did that today and even after going down to ten men they saw the game out.
"Regarding the changes to the starting team - that’s one of the positives I'm taking from today. I knew it was going to be a difficult match, but I believe we have a strong squad and I have confidence in each and every one of the lads. There are players who have been working hard in training to get a chance. I think those who came in gave a good account of themselves, especially in the second half. You’ve got Yusuf (Hussain) digging in really deep – he’s not played a lot of minutes, so I’m pleased he got the full 90. Michael (Travis) – well what can you say - he’s a rock at the back, he didn’t put a foot wrong, dominating in the air. I thought he defended brilliantly. Archie (Thomas) showed great work rate throughout the game. He makes a number of great challenges including one in the second half where he puts his body on the line and for me, he saves us a goal. PJ (Crossan) ran his heart out – he’s getting back up to full fitness after his injury a few weeks ago and of course Grant Anderson got the important second goal and worked hard throughout. I think they showed the strength and depth we have in the squad.
"Of course, my main focus has been on this game, but it’s a long tough season and so you do need to use your squad and Stranraer was in my thoughts. There are guys on the bench who have played a lot of minutes and have been doing really well but I wanted to freshen it up. I was happy that no matter what team I put out there they had the ability and determination to get the same winning results and a clean sheet.”
Formartine United
1 MacDonald
2 Crawford ? 32'
5 Spink
6 Norris ?Greig 85'
3 Smith
7 Rodger
8 Lawrence
4 Anderson (c) ? 75' ? Park 82'
11 Hanratty
9 Lisle
10 Mykyta
Substitutes
12 Paterson
14 Wilson
15 Lynch
16 Anderson
17 Greig
18 Park
21 Demus
Forfar Athletic
1 McCallum
2 Meechan (c)
5 Travis
19 Munro ? 35' ? 69'
15 Hussain
11 G Anderson ⚽️ 61' ? Thomson 77'
14 Thomas
8 Ness ? 67' ? Slater 68'
17 McCluskey
24 Crossan
18 Shepherd ⚽️ pen 33' ? S Anderson 71'
Substitutes
3 Strachan
4 S Anderson
7 Thomson
9 Aitken
10 Slater
12 Doris
16 Gallagher
21 Sanderson (GK)
23 Irvine
Referee: Calum Scott
