A double from Chris McGroarty and a single from Martin Harty were not enough as Forth narrowly exited the West of Scotland Cup at the hands of St. Roch's at Provanmill Park on Saturday.
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| St. Roch's defend a Wanderers free kick. |
Forth were dealt an early blow when striker Bryan Felvus burst clean through on goal after 10 minutes only to pull up with a hamstring injury before he could get his shot away. He was replaced by Craig Crawford. The Wanderers tried to play football on the heavy park but the Candy Rock's more direct approach paid dividends when a cross from the left was neatly turned home by the home striker. Mackie had a further chance when he won the ball in midfield and raced through only for good work by Forth keeper Chic Clark forcing him, and his eventual shot, wide.
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| Corner for the Forth. |
The game, to this point, was characterised by some hefty challenges, especially on Forth playmaker Chris McGroarty, and inconsistent refereering. However, the Wanderers got back into the game 6 minutes after the restart when a Gordon Murphy cross was headed home by a flying MARTIN HARTY from an acute angle. Forth were now in the ascendancy and it was no surprise when CHRIS McGROARTY fired them into the lead. Lewis McKinlay won the ball and fed a long pass to Craig Crawford who found McGroarty who made no mistake, firing low into the bottom corner.
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| Martin Harty wheels away after his leveller. |
The home side levelled on 65 minutes when a long free-kick was met in the 6 yard box and headed past keeper Clark. Worse was to follow for Forth, as the home side proceeded to score another couple of goals to give them a 4-2 advantage. Forth refused to capitulate however, and a CHRIS McGROARTY shot from 6 yards reduced the deficit on 85 minutes to set up a grandstand finish, with the Wanderers throwing the proverbial kitchen sink at the Roch's. In the last minute, the ball appeared to strike a Roch's elbow in the box but after some hesitation the whistler waved play on and the game was lost.
Back to league business on Saturday with the visit of Lesmahagow, for what should be an intriguing encounter.
Many thanks to Stuart for match details and photos !
'Mon the Forth.
Forth team : Clark, Napier, Gemmell, McKinlay, Grant, Stevenson, Traynor, McGroarty, Murphy, Felvus (Crawford), Harty
