Despite fighting hard and putting in one of their best performances of the season, Harris were eliminated from the Dundee Schools Cup on Saturday morning. When looking at those playing, it was clear to see a couple of absentees, most noticeably inform goalkeeper Ross Bell who missed out through flu and was intending to play upfront. In his place was debutant Ian Brough, who although not seriously tested apart from the goals, put in a steady performance. The game got off to a flying start for the Harris guys for the second game running, with what appeared Jamie Garvock scoring directly from a corner (although there may have had a touch from someone else) . This was added to by a neat Lee Mason finish, who rounded the helpless Grove keeper before slotting home. Striker Stevie Scott put Harris into what seemed to be an extremely comfortable lead with a typically predator-like finish giving Harris a three goal advantage at halftime. Midway through the second half, manager Mr. Laidlaw substituted midfielder Ashiel Stewart-Young, who by his own admissions didn’t have the best of games; introducing skilful playmaker Mustapha Al-Saffar into the action. With the creative influence of “Mussy”, fellow 4^th year Robbie Robertson and Jamie on the park it appeared that attackers Stevie and Lee would be in for some more decent service. This however, would turn out to be the least of our worries.

Shortly after the substitution, central defender Dougie Sturrock was shown a straight red card for what appeared to be a deliberate handball. He seemed to slip on the muddy surface leading to his hand coming into contact with the goal-bound ball. This resulted in a penalty for Grove which was duly scored. Playing up-hill with ten men was never going to be easy and despite the support from an “animated touchline”, we quickly lost a further two goals with the game now being tied at 3-3. Towards the end of the match, Jamie Garvock was sent tumbling in the Grove penalty area, and while a penalty appeared to be the obvious result, the referee waved away what seemed to be genuine appeals from the Dundee youth player.

Harris appeared to be settling for extra time with both Garvock and Mason attempting to settle down those around them and keep the ball. However, to most people’s surprise after the final whistle it was announced that there would be no extra time to follow and that penalties would settle who progressed to the semi finals. Those brave enough to take penalties gathered in the centre circle, Steve Scott looking particularly poised and agreeing to take the final penalty. Things were looking good with quality finishes from Robbie, “Scrimmy” and Jamie putting Harris in control before Lee Mason stepped up, looking confident. Unfortunately someone had to miss and somewhat surprisingly he blazed his shot over the bar after a trademark stuttered run-up. The disappointment on the player’s face was there for all to see, and in end bad luck played as much a part as anything else.

Overall, Harris played their most effective game this season despite lacking the influential Ross Bell. Before the sending off, we were well in control and in all likelihood would have gone onto win the game with eleven players on the park.

      RJC     

M.O.M. – Jamie Garvock – controlled the midfield and attempted to get forward whenever possible.