AJG Parcels North of Scotland Cup round-up
August 7th and 8th
Sam at the double as Scorries reach semis
Sam Mackay hit a double as Academy booked their place in
the last four of the AJG Parcels North of Scotland Cup with a well-earned 3-1
away victory over Clach, who ended the match with nine men.
The result sets up an intriguing semi-final against the
new-look Brora Rangers, who advanced after a 7-1 romp against Thurso.
Academy started brightly in Wednesday's encounter at
Grant Street and there were chances for Davie Allan and Richard Macadie early
on.
The opening goal came on 25 minutes when Mackay beat the
offside trap and hooked a superb high shot over keeper John Campbell into the
net.
Ten minutes later, Clach's Scott Graham got his marching
orders for kicking out at Ross Allan.
Academy doubled their lead just 10 seconds into the
second half as Lukasz Geruzel produced a stylish finish after a fine through
ball from Macadie.
Moments after Clach had restarted, Academy broke again
and Mackay made it 3-0 with his second of the night. Again it was Macadie who
provided the assist.
The home side regrouped and Chris Ross pulled one back
with a swerving shot just after the hour mark. But that was the end of the
scoring and there was further misery for Clach in injury time when Colin Williamson
was sent off for a late challenge.
Harmsworth Park was the setting for Brora's emphatic
victory over Thurso the same night.
The Sutherland side were two up inside the opening 10
minutes, courtesy of Andrew Greig and Steven Mackay. James Murray reduced the
deficit from the penalty spot but Brora stepped things up in the second half
with substitute Liam Baxter netting a hat-trick, Greig adding his second and
Richie Hart also getting on the scoresheet.
The Wick/Brora tie will be played at Harmsworth Park,
on either the 18th or 19th of September.
Forres Mechanics will meet Nairn County in the other
semi-final.
Ryan Green and Martin McMullan got the goals as the
Can-Cans beat Strathspey Thistle 2-0 at Seafield Park on Wednesday.
The previous night, Nairn had eased to a 4-1 home win
against a Lossiemouth side who played most of the game with 10 men after Ross
Archibald's first-half red card.
Conor Gethins helped himself to a hat-trick and Wayne
Mackintosh was also on target for the Wee County before Lossie's Ricky Wardrop
grabbed a consolation goal.
