October 10th 2024
SCOTTISH GAS SCOTTISH CUP FIRST ROUND
CLACHNACUDDIN F.C 3-1 NAIRN COUNTY
SATURDAY 28TH SEPTEMBER 2024
GRANT STREET PARK, INVERNESS
Goalscorers: Ben Barron (3’), James Anderson (52’, 62’, 92’ P)
Match Report by Niamh Cowdrey
County’s Scottish Gas Scottish Cup campaign came to an end in the first round away at a cloudy Grant Street Park, in a fiercely contested local derby.
In the third minute, Ben Barron increased his goal tally this season to eight with an early lead for the Wee County. Side-stepping the keeper following a strong run down the middle, he found the net with a clean shot.
However, the Lilywhites pushed for an equaliser, making multiple driving runs down the right for a goal of their own. A key chance came following a Clach corner. The ball was crossed, before being denied by Dylan Maclean who pushed it against the underside of the crossbar before it went out for a second corner.
County looked to extend their lead, with shots by Scott Lisle and Ben Barron that were stopped by the Clachnacuddin keeper.
Maclean made an important save in first half stoppage time, with a full stretch to the right to block a potential first-half equaliser for the Lilywhites.
The rain made an appearance in the second half, as did a Clachnacuddin team striving for a win. James Anderson scored Clachnacuddin’s first in the 52nd minute, following a cross from the right which met him at the far post.
Ben Barron attempted to score again following a run from the right just minutes later, however his efforts were denied as a Clach defender blocked his shot.
Clachnacuddin’s second came in the 62nd minute, with another cross from the right that Anderson put in the bottom left corner.
Nairn believed they had scored an equaliser a few minutes later, after a header from Fraser Dingwall was met by Ben Barron, but ultimately he was flagged offside.
County’s afternoon took a turn for the worse as they went down to 10 men in the 67th minute, as Callum MacLean received a second yellow card for a foul on the edge of the box.
The scoring was completed by Anderson after County conceded a harsh penalty, of which he put in the left corner – sealing his hat-trick.
The tough fixture ended 3-1, a disappointing and early end to County’s Scottish Cup campaign.
County will next face Inverurie Loco Works in the Breedon Highland League, on Saturday October 5th 2024 at 3pm.
Nairn County: Dylan Maclean, Callum MacLean, Kenny McKenzie, Dan Morrison, Fraser Dingwall, Angus Dey, Scott Lisle (Tyler Eadie 72’), Alan Pollock, Ben Barron (Gary Kerr 72’), Andrew Greig (Sam Gordon 83’), Jamie Williamson (Matthew Wright 62’)
Subs Unused: Ben Kelly, Jonathan Bain, Lewis Munro
Clachnacuddin: Rae, Kerr, Meekings, Nicolson, Bray, MacKay, MacLeod, MacPhee, Cooper, Bunce, Anderson
Subs: Miele, Cormack, MacKenzie, Adams, Davidson, Riddle, Lawrie, Gethins
