Match Report

Despite a cold night in Perth, a large Lochee support was in attendance. Both sets of supporters were treated to a fine display of attacking football, and an even finer display from defenses on top form.  Raymond McKinnon was first to have a go at goal but his 20 yard shot went wide of the target. Minutes later McGuiness forced Iain Ross to push his powerful drive over the bar. A slick passing move ended with Ross Dorward firing a shot just wide. Murray and Hughes then worked Ross with shots from distance. Midway through the half Cargill got on the end of a Robertson cross but could only turn the ball into the side netting. Soon after, a slip by Giles allowed Hagan an effort on goal which Black saved. A Thompson free kick to the back post found the unmarked Durno who turned and shot past the near post. Just before the interval McGuiness made Ross tip a netbound header over the bar. An accidental clash of heads meant Tommy King had to come off and was replaced by Gary Davidson.
From the start of the second half Lochee showed their intention to raise the pace of the game and things became more one-sided.  Phillip Hagan ran the Maryhill defence ragged, and balls were coming through left, right and centre.  Maryhill found it difficult to cut off the supply, and were barely able to mount an attack.  Lochee maintained a relentless pressure and it was Hagan again who ran through from the halfway line to deliver a fine pass to Craig Robertson who gave Black no chance with the shot from 8 yards.  Having taken 52 minutes to open the scoring, Lochee looked in total control, and it was only a matter of time before their dominance was converted to goals. The Bluebells almost doubled their lead following a 4 man passing move ending with Durno latching on to a defence splitting pass from McKinnon. Having stepped round Black, Durno appeared ready to side foot home only for Black to make an excellent dive and smother the ball. The second goal however, was only delayed until the 66 minutes when a superb through ball from Chris Tawse sent Charlie Cargill racing clear up the right hand side where he pulled the ball across goal for the onrushing Durno to net. Robertson then blazed a shot wide from the edge of the box as Lochee swarmed all over Maryhill. 
A 1-2 between Hagan and Cargill was stopped at the edge of the box. Alas for Maryhill, the ball fell to McKinnon who despatched the ball into the bottom corner from 20 yards.  McKinnon and Hagan were withdrawn, giving Ward and Evans the chance to torment a defeated Maryhill, who were struggling on with an injured goalie, having used all three substitutes.  On 90 minutes Andy Dow, who looked in complete command of the midfield, delivered a free kick from 35 yards which the keeper was only able to parry on to the bar for Kris Ward to head home the rebound.  Phillip Hagan was man of the match, with every other Lochee player in close contention.  This was a great advert for junior football, and the standard of East Region clubs.   Where can I get the video?
Team: Ross, King (Davidson 40), Dorward, Tawse, Thompson, McKinnon (Ward 86), Cargill, Robertson, Durno, Dow, Hagan (Evans 86)
Match Stats: Lochee had 15 shots, 7 on target for 4 goals.  Maryhill had 6 shots, 3 on target for 0 goals.

Manager Eddie Wolecki added
First and foremost, I am delighted for everyone connected with the club that we have made it at the third attempt.  Secondly the performance on the night was very pleasing.  We asked the players to be positive and pass the ball.  As is evident from the scoreline we were certainly positive, and the manner in which we scored our goals by passing through the opposition was very satisfying.
A special thank you to the large Lochee support.  Your vociferous backing was very much appreciated and we all look forward to your continued support over the forthcoming hectic spell.  Hope you all had a great night.