Mids earn Gretna tie after cup win

MID Annandale progressed in the Southern Counties Cup last Saturday after beating St Cuthbert Wanderers 1-0. After no fixture since December 13, the Lockerbie outfit finally returned to action last Saturday with a first round tie at New King Edward’s Park against Saints in the Challenge Cup. Mids started brightly and, after a couple of missed chances, Darren Monteith broke the deadlock on ten minutes with a smart header after sterling wing play by Aaron Bell. Despite their superiority, Mids could not add to their advantage and half time arrived with the Lockerbie side still in front by a single goal. The second half was similar, with Mids mainly on top but unable to capitalise on their dominance. The Mids defence had a solid day with a clean sheet. Highlights of the second half were some meaty tackles and some glaring missed chances late on for the home side, but they held on, and are rewarded with a juicy looking midweek quarter final tie against Gretna on February 4. Mids were good value for their win, and they will again lock horns with Saints next Saturday when they travel to Kirkcudbright for a league fixture. Lochmaben bowed out of the competition following a 3-1 defeat at home to Stranraer Reserves. The visitors led 2-1 at the break after two penalties, while Evan Cairns got the Burgh goal. And Lochmaben were in the contest until the very end when an unfortunate spill from the goalkeeper allowed Stranraer to seal victory. The Burgh travel to Nithsdale in the league on Saturday.