United kicked off their DA Shield campaign against their Thurso counterparts who have been flying high in the second division but a clinical second half display meant it was the home side progressing to the quarter finals. It was a fairly low key start to the game before United made the breakthrough after 14 minutes when Grant Steven picked the ball up 30 yards from goal and dinked a ball over the top picking out Michael Petrie’s late run for the midfielder to volley the ball high into the net from 10 yards. Pentlands probably felt slightly aggrieved at the loss of a goal given the opening exchanges had been fairly even it has to be said. That said with less than 20 minutes on the board it really should have been two Nichol swept the ball across for McKechnie who saw his first effort brilliantly blocked by Smith and then when the rebound arrived back at the midfielder his effort was on the tame side and cleared from danger. However McKechnie did make amends 5 mins later Nichol topped on Gary Mackay’s long throw and the midfielder stole a march on John’s to flick the ball over the advancing Smith. Although two up United were far from convincing and Mackay nearly halved the deficit when he cut in from the right and sent a low shot in the struck the outside of Gray’s left hand post with the keeper well beaten. But football can be a cruel game as instead of closing the gap they fell further behind when Nichol picked out Allan’s run he drifted passed Ian Smith before rifling in a low shot that Michael Smith could only parry and Darryn Mackay showed super predatory instincts to tap home the loose ball. The game became a bit scrappy then as the away side dug in and with the experience of Adamson started to get more of a presence up front and finally got their just deserts with 10 mins left in the half when Gray came to clear a loose ball and was beaten by Murray who poked the ball passed the keeper.
Half time
Pentland United 3-1 Pentlands
The next goal in this game was obviously going to be crucial and United showed exactly the right type of attitude nipping a goal 5 mins into the second period, great play from Allan saw him race to the bye line and cut the ball pack for the in-rushing Petrie to stab home from close range to set the town side back dramatically. United started to take advantage from this point with Ross Allan a huge focal point of the attack with several super runs one such run saw him drift passed 4 players and race into the box with Nichol square he elected to shoot and brought out a fine save from Smith. Nichol then let fly from 20 yards as he attempted to arrest a run of 5 games without a goal. Allan did get his name on the score sheet after a fine through ball from Nichol released him and this time he showed the necessary composure to tap the ball into the net passed Smith who attempted to close the angle. Pentlands were now reeling and it got worse when a good combination between Manson and Nichol saw the former send Allan in on goal only to be brought to a shuddering halt as he raced into the box and referee Tait had no hesitation but to point to the spot. Nichol shouldered the responsibility for the spot kick and duly sent Smith the wrong way, The striker then was hungry for more rifling another just over before Allan did brilliantly again down the right and looked to have done everything right as he bent the ball around Smith but could only look on as it rattle against the inside of the post and away to relative safety. On 68 substitute Harrold made an immediate impact picking the ball up on the left he arced a beautiful ball through for Nichol to race clear draw Smith and fire a bending shot passed the keeper with his left foot for number 7. Pentlands then came mighty close again to closing the gap when substitute Macdonald sent in a dipping shot from 20 yards that bounced in front of Gray and crashed against the cross bar. The final goal of the game saw Nichol complete the ‘perfect’ hat-trick as a short corner feed to Allan saw the winger whip in a beautiful cross for Nichol to power home at the far post with his head.
Full time
Pentland United 8-1 Pentlands
1. M Gray 2. G Mackay 3. G Macleod 4. G Steven 5. D Mackay 6. L Sutherland 7. D Manson 8. M Petrie 9. M Nichol 10. R Allan 11. J McKechnie
View from the goal
Decent second half performance it has to be said and we were good value for the win in my opinion couple of moments of slackness for sure but all in all it was nice to progress and get a few goals at the same time. Wick Groats on Thurs night in a crucial league encounter where we have to believe in our ability and trust it will take us through.