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Locos overcame Elgin City to set up a last eight meeting with Formartine United in the Evening Express Aberdeenshire Cup. After an even first half, Blair Smith scored shortly after the break with Callum Duncan and Lewis Pirie also on target as the Railwaymen took control. It was Pirie’s first goal since his arrival at Harlaw Park just a few days ago.
Dean Donaldson made several changes to the side that beat Nairn County on Saturday, with Smith and Pirie coming into the starting eleven alongside Blessing Oluyemi, Taylor Chapman, Rory Butchart, Nathan Meres and Robert Ward. The visitors fielded a young team having played in the KDM Cup against Ross County just 24 hours earlier.
There was little to choose between the teams in the opening stages as they sussed each other out. As the first half developed, both sides began to show some attacking intent, although clear chances wre few and far between. Oluyemi had to be alert to deny Jayden Camara whil at the other end, Cole Taylor blocked a Pirie effort from close range before Ward fired wide from the rebound.
With all to play for in the second half, the opening goal was always going to be crucial. It came just three minutes after the restart with Smith sliding the ball under Taylor after he’d been picked out by Duncan. With their noses in front, Locos began to dominate. Daniel Agnew’s shot was beaten away by Taylor and it was no surprise when Duncan extended the lead, driving home left footed from the edge of the box following a good move down the left flank.
With 20 minutes remaining, Pirie opened his Locos account with a powerful drive across Taylor and inside the far post. Meres fired just over the bar as Locos looked to finish with a flourish but couldn’t add to the scoring. This was a well deserved win for Locos, taking control of the game in the second half but was not always comfortable as Elgin’s youngster showed quality and pace.
Manager Dean Donaldson was pleased with the performance over all, particulary with the more positive approach from his players after the break. “The first half was sideways and backwards and wasn’t really representative of how well we’ve been playing, but we have to give credit to the young Elgin boys, who applied themselves really well” he continued “I questioned the boys at half time and they came out and answered it”.
With two wins on the bounce and four games unbeaten, Locos will be looking to keep their momentum going at Strathspey Thistle on Saturday.
