Craigie saw off the challenge of Easthouses with a single goal win to move into the quarter finals of the Image Printers Cup although the match was spoiled by a poor refereeing performance.
David Beattie had an early chance for the visitors but Craig Weir blocked his effort then the same player forced an excellent save from Weir who tipped over his shot from the edge of the box before Sean Martin had Craigie's first chance but shot straight at Justin Hynd who then saved well from Stuart Martin but he was beaten when Kyle Hay's corner wasnt cleared and Lloyd Dignan finished well.
Craigie were given a glorious chance to extend their lead when Stevie Manson's excellent run was ended by a crude challenge in the penalty area but Hynd saved well from Stuart Martin's spot kick then from Dignan's follow up shot but he was almost caught out when Kevin Robertson returned his clearance, and he was forced to scramble the ball onto the crossbar.
James Binnie had a good chance early in the second half but Hynd again saved well before the game burst into life just before the hour mark.
Ryan McKenzie and John Baigrie clashed in the corner, and this led to a number of players becoming involved, and initially saw David Jeffrey shown a red card before the referee realised his error and showed a yellow, Baigrie however did receive a second yellow with McKenzie perhaps fortunate to remain on the pitch, and as the visitors complained about the decision both manager David McQueenie, and coach Andy Waddell were sent from the dugout.
Craigie struggled to get into any sort of rhythm against the ten men who almost equalised when Ross Gaylor beat Weir but McKenzie cleared off the line to keep his sides lead intact.
The home side were also reduced to ten men just before the end when McKenzie was given his second yellow card, and they almost conceded a late goal which would have taken the match to extra time but Jeffrey headed off the line.
Overall not a good performance by this seasons standard but another victory, and clean sheet for the defence.
|