Cupar lacking heart as they crash out of cup.

Saturday 5th November 2011.

Scottish Cup 3rd round.

Cupar Hearts made an early exit in the Scottish Amateur Cup when they lost out to the students of Glasgow University at Garscube Sports Complex, Maryhill. Due to other commitments Cupar Hearts were without two of their in form, regular central defenders and other absentees meant that only a minute squad travelled. It was a reshuffled Hearts starting XI and they enjoyed the better of the exchanges in the opening minutes with the starting pace of play very intense.

Stuart Beveridge for the visitors put in a couple of threatening crosses and in reply Andrew Pender and Gavin Ferguson had efforts on goal but the latter was high over the bar. Cupar’s Stephen Gilfillan sent in a free kick but there were no takers. Minutes later a good run by John Little forced a corner from which Stuart Beveridge’s clever flick was unlucky to come back off the crossbar. Barry Sibanda for the visitors came close to the opener after 17 minutes when his header went inches wide. Then soon after the Uni’s keeper Jamie MacFarlane can count himself lucky with just a booking after bringing down Grant Fraser just outside the penalty area. But the resultant free kick by Iain Boylan was easily cleared. After 25 minutes of play Cupar’s Barry Sibanda made his presence felt once again forcing his way through the home defence but his finish found the side netting. Then a few minutes later the same player could only slice a shot wide following a neat one two with John Little. Cupar gained another corner kick shortly afterwards but still failed to convert. Disaster struck for the visitors after 33 minutes when the referee pointed to the spot awarding a soft penalty after an Iain O’Leary challenge on Paul Gallacher where he appeared to get the ball. Nonetheless Calum Tevendale converted the spot kick with Steven McEwan doing well to get a hand to it but he couldn’t quite stop it crossing the line. Cupar pressed for an equaliser but with 7 minutes of the half remaining they fell further behind. Following another soft decision the subsequent free kick was met by the head of Calum Tevendale and the ball looped over Steven McEwan and into the back of the net.

With a two goal advantage heading into the second period the home sides confidence grew and were enjoying a lot of possession but Cupar’s tireless running especially by Grant Fraser made it difficult for the students. Chances were created at both ends as the game wore on but Cupar’s finishing was poor and heads went down. All 3 of Hearts substitutions were made in a bid to get themselves back into the game but they failed to make a difference as the University side controlled matters in the remaining minutes. The regular large support for Cupar were disappointed at the final whistle after a poor performance but accepted that they had been beaten by the better team on the day and so it was a long journey home.

Cupar: McEwan, Fraser, Gilfillan, O’Leary, Halley, Boylan, Nicoll, Reilly, Beveridge, Sibanda and Little. Subs: Kane, Simpson and McShane.