Cowie Thistle 5 – 2 Northern United

Aberdeen Trophy Centre Association Trophy Second Round at Inverdee on Saturday 14th September

Report by Andy McLaren

Cowie Thistle manager Gary Taylor today challenged his side to go one better than last season and win their first piece of silverware since 2009.

The Stonehaven outfit lost 3-2 to Sportsmans in last season’s Aberdeen FC Trophy final at Pittodrie.

Thistle’s last piece of silverware came in 2009 when they won the Association Trophy.

And Gary, who has been with the club for 7 years, admits he is determined to prove his side can become regular winners in Amateur football.

He said: “The aim is to win a cup which is something we never managed to do last season.

“Losing in the Aberdeen FC Trophy was a blow for the lads but the squad were proud with how they performed against Sportsmans, who are the best team in Amateur football.

“We have been inconsistent so far this term but we raise our game against the better teams in the league.

“The guys have the quality to challenge the best in the Amateur football and I have no doubt we can win some silverware this season.

“The majority of the squad have been together for 7 years which shows the commitment and ambition of the lads to make the club proud.”

Gary spent 5 seasons at Highland League side Keith before joining Stonehaven Juniors for 7 years.

Cowie Thistle secured a convincing 5-2 win over Northern United in the 2nd round of the Association Trophy.

The Stonehaven side have been the top team from Kincardineshire for the past 5 years.

They currently sit 5th in this season’s Premier Division, four points behind local rivals Luthermuir.

And Gary believes his side, who have signed three new players this term, have the quality to remain the best team in the Kincardine area.

“It’s important to have experience in the team and players such as Ross keep the club going,” said Gary.

“He has been promoted and relegated throughout the years but he is still committed to the club after all these seasons.

“We have lost in the Aberdeen FC Trophy three times in the last 5 years which shows we are close to winning some silverware.

“Cowie have established ourselves as a Premier Division club and it’s encouraging to hear a variety of team’s don’t like coming to Stonehaven to play us.

“Amateur teams change players every season but the close friendship between the boys keeps the club strong.”

Northern started the stronger team and opened the scoring after 15 minutes when John Campbell curled his shot past Greg Valentine to make it 1-0.

The goal rallied Thistle and they equalised 10 minutes later when Gary Legg bravely intercepted a loose ball to fire home.

Ross Adie then had his looping header tipped over the bar by United’s Adam Gilbert before Legg unleashed an unstoppable shot to make it 2-1.

Half-time: 1 – 2

Craig Irvine, who scored 4 goals for Cowie last week, was a constant threat throughout the match and his low drive flashed past Gilbert to make it 3-1 after 55 minutes.

United’s goalkeeper then showed good reactions to deny Shaun McDonald with a last ditch save on 65 minutes.

But McDonald scored his sides fourth before Neil Fowler showed good composure to finish from close range to make it 5-1 after 85 minutes.

Northern never gave up and Matthew Jacobs grabbed a late consolation to make it 5-2 to Cowie Thistle.

Full Time: 2 – 5

Northern United: Gilbert, Smith, Stewart, Jacobs, Finn, Murison, Ripley, Sutherland, Brown, Campbell, Anderson, Moncrieff.

Cowie Thistle: Valentine, Legg, Bolton, S Wilson, Matthews, R Wilson, Adie, Watson, Irvine, Shaw, Fowler, Donald, McDonald, Masson, Wisoman, Szezorsa.