It was third time lucky for St Cuthbert Wanderers on Saturday as they finally saw off Abbey Vale to progress in the Haig Gordon Cup.
A power cut and a monsoon had put paid to two previous attempts to play the game at Maryfield Park this season.
But there were no such problems at the weekend as Saints won 4-1 to set up a second round clash with Threave Rovers.
Boss Jordan Williamson said: “It was a good day at the office and we’re just looking forward to the next round.
“We knew they would be a good, well organised opponent and with the way they had set up we struggled to break them down.
“A couple of times we tried to play in the wrong areas and caused more problems for ourselves, but at the same time it was risk and reward.
“We scored a good goal from playing out from the back but by the same respect it’s also how we ended up conceding the goal to go in all square.
“The first 45 minutes was almost testing the water to see where we could play and where we couldn’t. At half-time we could show them where we wanted them to play and what options there were.”
The sides were level at the break after Mark O’Rourke’s opener for Saints was cancelled out by Robbie Ferguson.
Vale were dealt a blow when Aiden McBurnie was sent off for a challenge on Dillon Black and Saints made their numerical advantage count thanks to goals from Thomas Kelly, Russell Williamson and Ross Hunter.
Williamson said: “The challenge was right in front of us and the referee could have gone either way with it.
“I think it’s more the speed he has come in with rather than the tackle. He has tried to make a block and he’s maybe gone in too forcefully for the ref.
“As is always the case when a team goes down to 10 men, there’s more space and we played football in the right areas. We caused problems, we stretched them and created good opportunities off the back of finding space.”
Saints were due to face Mid Annandale in the league last night and this weekend face Wigtown as they begin their League Cup campaign.
And with a busy few weeks ahead, it’s likely some fringe players will get a run out on Saturday.
Williamson added: “We’re looking at the potential of no more free Wednesdays for the rest of the season, so it’s going to be busy.
“We don’t want boys who have been doing a good job coming off the bench being off the pace when we have to start them.”
