Strathspey Thistle 0 (0), Sauchie Juniors 6 (2)

SAUCHIE JUNIORS scored six against Highland League side Strathspey Thistle to advance to the next round of the Scottish Cup.

Manager Fraser Duncan made only one change from last weekend’s defeat against Whitburn, Sam Collumbine would return from injury, partnering Jack Fisher in the midfield in place of the absent Rhys Caves. 

The hosts got the first chance, Josh Race placing a ball across the middle of the goal, but with no waiting teammate in the box to deliver.

Sauchie’s Stuart McDowell would get a chance at the other end, a fantastic through ball from a teammate, only for the young attacker to be beaten to it by Ethan Rae in the opposition goal.

McDowell would then open the scoring, a fantastic strike on the twenty-minute mark firing into the top corner.

Strathspey looked for the instant response, but some resolute defending from the visiting back four and goalkeeper kept all chances to a minimum.

Collumbine would grab Sauchie’s second, a shot that could be argued to have not fully crossed the line, but with the linesman awarding it, this ensured a two-goal advantage going in at the break.

A more-than-convinced Sauchie boss said on the goal: “I’ve seen Sam hit the ball, to be fair, the goalkeeper’s had a bit of a torrid time with the ball.

“The linesman gave it straight away and put his flag up.

“There are people moaning about it, saying that it never crossed the line, but from watching it back and seeing the stills, it definitely crossed the line.”

Mark Smith extended the lead just minutes after the interval, a cross from McDowell whipped in from the corner to meet Smith's waiting head.

Looking to freshen things up, Duncan brought on David Churchill and Scott Davidson, the latter of the two making his first appearance of the season, having been sidelined with injury.

On his captain’s return, the manager said: “It’s been a while for Scott, getting himself back into that position but it’s good to see him return.

“It’s just about taking time with Scott, giving him bits every week now to improve overall.”

Churchill would make a quick impact, making no mistake with a strike inside the box with his first touch of the ball into the back of the net, sending the travelling supporters into utter euphoria. 

The Clackmannanshire side did intend to stop there, Ross Kavanagh intercepting the ball from a helpless defender to go on two fantastic runs, as the striker slotted two identical chances away for five and then six.

The match referee blew his whistle for the final time, and Sauchie Juniors rejoiced, knowing that their emphatic performance in Grantown-on-Spey had put their name into the draw.

In reflection, Duncan told Advertiser Sport: “I thought the first half we were slow, looked lacklustre, we fell into the trap of not putting things in the right places.

“The boys were told that at half-time, start putting balls into the right areas and do things we’re good at.

“It was then good to get that back in the second half, we upped the game, and it was good to get the 6-0 victory as it’s not an easy task against Highland League teams especially on their home patch.”

It has now been determined that Sauchie Juniors will face Buckie Thistle in the second round, a game which will take place at Beechwood Park on Saturday, October 26.

Speaking on the outcome of the draw itself, Advertiser Sport spoke to Duncan: “We’ve been around the country this season already when it comes to travelling.

“Very good to get a home draw but that’s what we want, big days at Beechwood, that’s certainly what it’s all about.

“It’s going to be another big one, we know that Buckie are a good side, you don’t get through to play Celtic in the fourth round if you’re not.”

Sauchie Juniors: Robertson, Willaghan, Hutchison, Thomson, Collumbine (McBurney 74’), Kavanagh, McDowell (Sludden 74’), Williamson (Davidson 64’), M. Smith (Churchill 64’), Isaacs (Swain 74’), Fisher

Substitutes Not Used: D. Smith, Burt