On Sunday the men’s 1st team headed north up the M74 to take on Hillhead 5s in the quarter-final of the Scottish Reserve Plate. Given that their league games against this opposition had been tight a competitive fixture was expected; however, due to a variety of factors the team was missing some key players resulting in some unorthodox call-ups. Despite the rag-tag approach to the squad the Doonhamers started the game off well and created some good chances with returning Gilmer and Kershaw Snr being the creative sparks in midfield. Unfortunately, it was the hosts who got on the scoresheet first as towards the end of the first quarter a well-worked short corner routine resulted in the ball in the back of the Dumfries net. 1-0. Despite this, the men in red began the second quarter searching for a much-deserved equaliser, but, disaster struck and the West-Enders extended their lead through another short corner. 2-0. This was the wake-up call the Doonhamers needed and they quickly responded through a swift counterattack. The ball found its way to MacFarlane who held the ball up well and slipped in the onrushing Kershaw Snr whose first-time finish beat the Hills keeper. 2-1. On the cusp of halftime, Dumfries won a short corner and the ball landed at Aitken Jnr who slotted It home to draw the traveling squad level. HT 2-2. Words of encouragement were shared at halftime as the men in red knew that the game was there for the taking.

Unfortunately, in the second half the conditions started taking a toll on the travelling team of 11 and legs started to fade under the baking sun. Hillhead once again retook the lead with a well-worked team goal. 3-2. And following on from that they quickly extended their lead 4-2 which was a further blow to Dumfries’ energy. However, undeterred the men in red continued to fight to get back in the game and Aitken Jnr got his second of the match after a mazy run from stand-in CB Johnston found Aitken Jnr who beat a couple of defenders before scoring. 4-3. However, despite continuing to press and pressure Hillhead’s backline remained untroubled and the score remained unchanged. FT 4-3. Many thanks to all those who assisted and played in unfamiliar positions- Johnston who stepped in at CB (yes you read that right!) the returning Gilmer and Kershaw Snr and finally Aitken Snr who having never played hockey before made his debut for the men’s first team at 65 after a late-night call up! Never too old to get involved!

Congratulations Hillhead, we wish them well in the semi-final against Inverleith. For the first team the season continues and in somewhat a groundhog nature they face Hillhead again in a plate competition on Thursday; this time it is Hillhead 3s in the West District Reserve plate.