United needed a positive response from the disappointment in John O’Groats the previous week and to a large extent they got it against a youthful Acks side who had made the perfect start to their return to the top division. As the previous wee a strong wind was to blight the game although to be fair to both sides they did their very best to play football throughout. United settled any early nerves with the opener after 4 mins when Garry Macleod retrieved the ball on the right hand side and clipped a ball into the far post allowing Mark Nichol to sweep the ball home from close range and continue his excellent scoring start to the season. With the wind at their backs United continued to peg the Acks back and Garry Macleod brought out a decent save from Clark after Munro had half cleared Harrold’s centre. After a lengthy suspension United fans got their first glimpse of Ross Allan and he looked in the mood to make up for lost time with some direct running but unfortunately his shooting was not quite so impressive although he went close after 16 mins from 18 yards. Minutes later however he did have Clark at full stretch to tip away a teasing corner as United continued to hold the upper hand. The second came mid way through the half and it was a disaster for Alan Munro although I am sure he did not appreciate the throw from his keeper, which allowed James Murray to immediately close him down, dispossess him and rifle the ball home from 12 yards to provide a little more breathing space. The visitors started to rally at this point as United’s football so slick in the early exchanges started to deteriorate slightly, Firstly Macintosh earned a foul from Michael Steven 30 yards from goal and Halliday’s freekick drew Gray who failed to reach the ball ahead of Munro but the header never really looked like going in. Then Harrold gave away a freekick on the left and Wares whipped in a tempting ball that Grant Steven just about cleared under pressure from Macintosh. Slowly the early balance was restored and James Murray showed tremendous strength and feet work to link with Jamie Mackenzie and Mark Nichol only to shoot wildly over from 20 yards with a good view of goal. Just before half time however Acks suffered a huge set-back when Allan with a wicked inswinging corner found the net via the stanchion whether he meant it or not the delivery was superb and deserving of a goal.

Half time

Pentland United 3-0 Acks

Acks needed a response and quickly to get a foot hold in the game and they showed their intention from the outset former Thistle man Miller cutting in from the left and driving a powerful effort just over under pressure from Michael Steven. Ten minutes into the half Jamie Mackenzie released Lewy Harrold who brought out the save of the match from Clark with a brilliant low drive that the keeper did so very well to turn wide for a corner. Keeper Gray then lightened the atmosphere with some comical attempts to field pass backs firstly completely missing one and then lashing one out for a corner under pressure although his skipper also has to assume some responsibility with some wayward efforts back to the keeper. United should have been further ahead on the hour mark when yet another Allan corner picked out Gary Mackay at the far post and the defender would have been disappointed not to have opened his account as Alan Munro blocked the ball away it was debateable whether it was on target in the first place. The killer 4^th was not long in being delayed though and ace marksman Nichol was at it again, Ross Allan hit a dipping freekick from 20 yards that Clark could only parry and the number 9 tapped into the empty net. Having said that United were almost pegged back immediately as Paul Wares raced clear in on Gray from the half way line the striker attempted to round the keeper who managed to get a hand on the ball and partially thwart him but relied on his skipper to complete the block in the 6 yard box. Acks continued with their tails up as they forced a succession of corners and Macintosh from point blank range up forced Gray to tip the ball on to the bar for another let off. The match continued in a fairly bright manner both teams playing neat football but Acks were again left cursing their luck with just under 10 mins left when Macintosh showed tremendous technique from a freekick just outside the area to bend the ball over the wall but could only look on in agony as the ball crashed off the face of the bar. Having said all that the final chance of the match has to go into the extraordinary miss category brilliant play from Murray released McKechnie down the right who composed himself before sending a delightful cross in for what seemed a certain goal for Manson what happened next is unclear but the result was the ball went backwards and the chance was lost. 

Full time

Pentland United 4-0 Acks 

1. M Gray 2. G Steven 3. G Mackay 4. L Sutherland (J McKechnie 65) 5. M Steven (C) 6. G Macleod (Petrie 45) 7. L Harrold 8. J Mackenzie 9. M Nichol (D Manson 72) 10. J Murray 11. R Allan

Subs not used

R Begg

View from the goal

Better standard for sure thought we played some neat, tidy stuff at times although ragged around the edges occasionally. Defensively a lot stronger and lot better communication levels, which helped the entire performance another commanding display from Jamie provided a good platform for the rest of the team and a welcome 3 points from an Acks team that played well enough and deserved a goal for their efforts. On to the Highland Cup and a tricky tie down in Lybster where historically we struggle. Look to maintain the level of performance and work rate and hopefully head through to the next round.