Dream Dashed

Scottish Cup 3rd Round - Sat 24 Nov 2007: Culter 1 v Huntly 3 H-T: 1 - 2 (at Crombie Park, Culter). Scorers: Culter: Chris Mountford (17 mins).       Huntly: Bruce Cormie (21 and 38 mins) & Ross McWilliam (63 mins)

The weather relented and we were favoured with a decent day with plenty of sunshine for our sell­out historic match.          Once again there was a posse of Press Reporters plus Photographers and Sky Sports/BBC Cameramen. There was a great atmosphere at our new look Crombie Park, courtesy of Main Sponsor Doug Milne.    There were many former Culter players present for the big occasion and happy reminiscences were being discussed.        Pre and post match messages again came from far and near, Shetland to New Zealand and from on board a ship at Newcastle.   Requests for match programmes were also widespread from distant places like Hitchin, Hertfordshire and Gateshead.

Culter started the game well, Shand's clever head flick found Craik whose cross was cleared for a corner by Redford.   Rintoul's corner found the head of Craib but was scrambled clear. In the   17th minute the Culter faithful in the sell out crowd were in dreamland after Shand robbed Redford of the ball and his pass found MOUNTFORD who managed to chip Bremner at the second attempt from 12 yards.            Four minutes later Rintoul then tried a long range effort that had Bremner diving to collect but his punt down the park led to a mix up in the home defence and CORMIE was left to lob Pirie to level the score. Wilson then tried his luck from distance but his shot flew over.         CORMIE struck again in the   38th minute collecting a pass from Gray and his clinical strike flew pass Pirie.      It was now one way traffic towards the home goal and Gray volleyed over from close range before Pirie produced a great save at the feet of Gauld just on the half time whistle.   Half Time: 1 - 2.

Craik tested Bremner with a 20 yarder and then volleyed over from Brown's cross but the home team were soon on the back foot as Cormie miskicked Murray's cross in the 6 yard box and the danger was cleared.          Rattray then blocked McWilliam's shot but could do nothing to stop Huntly going further ahead in the 63`d minute. Cormie had the home side claiming for offside but he out­ran the home defence before rounding Pirie and squared the ball to McWILLIAM who tapped in from a yard out.     Mountford volleyed over Rattray's free kick and Pirie was again called into action with a terrific one handed save to deny Bisset. In the closing stages Rintoul hit a screamer which struck the inside of the post and somehow ricocheted to safety.       Stewart then had an effort blocked before Craik's 25 yarder was touched round the post by Bremner.

Culter: Pirie, Sim, Wilson, Craib, Rattray, Brown, Mountford, Pressley, Rintoul, Shand, Craik. Substitutes: Farmer, Campbell, Stewart, McCall and Riches.

Huntly: Bremner, Murray, Redford, Morrison, Bisset, McWilliam; Guild, Gray, McGowan, Gauld, Cormie.

Referee: Willie Hornby.      Assistant Referees: Neil Brand and Alan Frew.

Match Reporter: Gus Johnstone.

 Next Week's Fixture - 3r Round Scottish Junior Cup - Saturday 1 December 2007

Culter v Bonnyrigg Rose (at Crombie Park, Culter) Kick Off 1.30 p.m.

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Forthcoming Fixture - Rainbow International Superleague - Saturday 8 December 2007

Culter v East End (at Crombie Park, Culter) Kick Off 1.30 p.m.

Supporter Sadness.            I regret to report the saddest of news about our loyal supporter George A Gammack who died I on Thursday 22 November 2007.           George rarely missed a game and was about to board the bus for the Grill Cup

Final last Sunday when he became ill and had to go home, thereafter being admitted to Hospital.            George enjoyed our Celebrity Dinner on Friday 9 November, another event he always attended. George was a great help to me aspart of our Sunday Sweepstake team with my Father, Edwin Davidson and my Sons over many years.   He will be sadly missed - our condolences go to his wife Nan, his son Graham, his daughter Zena and their families.         Our flag was flown at half mast before yesterday's game.       George's son Graham, also a loyal supporter, was wearing his father's ring to have a wee bit of George present at the match!

Match Day Prize Winners -Saturday 24 November 2007.     Half Time Raffle:      Express by Holiday Inn Voucher for

Two - Mike McDonald, Danestone; Bottle 15 year old The Glendronach Whisky (still the one donated by Frank Milne!) - unclaimed (Pink ticket No 65); Bottle Malt Whisky - unclaimed (Yellow ticket No 94); Bottle Glenmorangie - Gordon Carter, Huntly; Bottle Malt Whisky - George Crawford, Huntly; Bottle Champagne - Malcolm Sharp, Culter.

After Match £20 "Choose Your Team" Competition: - Bobby Gray, 4 Belrorie Circle, Dyce.

Scarves Sales.         Gus Johnstone organised a new Culter FC Scarf which was on sale just prior and at yesterday's big match.            They will be on sale again at our Scottish Junior Cup tie on Saturday 1 December 2007 priced at £10 each.