Mids book semi final spot

Creetown 1-3 Mid Annandale MIDS made the long trip along the A75 last Saturday to contest the Haig Gordon Memorial Trophy quarter final. And, despite being the pre match underdogs, the Lockerbie side came home with a semi final spot after a well deserved victory. The Mids were well on top in a tough-tackling first half, and, after several missed chances, they deservedly took the lead when an excellent move between Luke Hammond and Drew Jackson ended with Darren Monteith scoring from close range. Mids remained on top until three minutes before the break when, against the run of play, Creetown equalised with the Mids lads vainly appealing for offside. The equaliser appeared to motivate Creetown, and for long spells they pinned the Mids in their own half. But, some dogged defending and hard work kept the home side at bay. And with 15 minutes to go, they foraged upfield, only for Robbie Carcu to be fouled in the box. Hammond took the resultant spot kick, only for the Creetown keeper to save well low down to his right. Roll on four minutes and déjà vu, with Carcu again being upended in the box for another penalty. This time Jackson hit the back of the net to put the Mids back in front. The Lockerbie side looked well in control for the remainder of the half, and it was no surprise when Monteith slotted home his second after good work by Hammond to put the Mids 3-1 up and book a place in the semi final. Creetown ended the game with ten men after, once again, Carcu was chopped down. That sending off, along with the .numerous yellow cards throughout, will give the referee writers’ cramp when he makes his report. Tomorrow Mids are in Dumfries for a league match against third placed Lochar Thistle.

Meanwhile, Lochmaben, who were without a fixture last weekend, face the trip to Creetown, also in the league. BRACE . . . Darren Monteith scored twice for Mids