Lions dig in to produce a well earned victory

Well Sunday saw a mixed 1st team travel to the home of Golf, St Andrews for the first round tie in the District Cup.

Fidra travelled with a bare 11 whilst St Andrews Uni 2's, as expected, had a squad of 15.

The beginning of the first half saw Fidra under constant pressure from the Uni attack for the first 10 mins with great defending from the back line of Andy F, Scott, Martin and Jon C. Slowly Fidra settled and started to gain some possession and admittedly against the run of play we took the lead with a neat finish from Dougie.
From this point on the match was end to end with both team attacking well but lacking the end product. With minutes to spare St Andrew's drew level with a back post finish from a ball driven diagonally across goal. All in all the Fidra team reached half time pleased with the fighting display produced so far.

The second half started much the same as both teams traded attacks producing saves from both keepers. Gary, Dougie & Andy C worked tirelessly in the midfield to help Fidra transition from defence into attack. Unfortunately it was a slight deflection from Dougie's stick on a St Andrews short corner that took the ball passed Gary and Matt on the Goal line to give St Andrews the lead. Dougie being angry at himself (Understandable but no blame was directed his way, it was just one of those things) for this then followed up with a rash challenge that earned him a green card and some time on the sideline.
Fidra battled away and time and again the forward line of Rowan, Andy W and Harry pressured the St Andrews defence and making movement off the ball to open the pitch up. This paid of when not 7 mins from the end of the game Harry popped up on the back post to push in the well deserved equaliser for Fidra. Fidra held for the remainder and the game finished a draw.

A penalty shoot out it was!

What a way to decide a tie but thems the rules.

Fidra volunteers where Gary, Jon C, Martin, Dougie (who graciously steeped in For Scott!) & Andy W.

St Andrews won the toss and decided to go first up steps big Matt in goal (it was his time to shine). Shine he Did with 3 saves out of 5 to give Fidra the win 2-3.

Well done to the whole team who produced a massive effort to secure the win.