Ten man Elgin earn cup replay
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Elgin City manager Ross Jack admitted his ten man team produced some “second rate” play as they were held to a Scottish Cup draw at Fraserburgh.
Third Division City were big favourites to progress against their Highland League opponents but had to endure some scary moments to force a replay at Borough Briggs next Saturday.
Jack admitted he was pleased to be in Wednesday’s third round draw following the 0-0 stalemate at Bellslea Park.
“There were a lot of bad things about our performance,” the Elgin manager admitted. “Our passing was poor, our touch was poor and at times some of our challenges were second rate.
“I’m delighted to still be in the hat and its very fortunate we’ve got them again next week to try and put it right.”
Jack refused to comment on the second half red card shown to Elgin midfielder David Niven, but the club are understood to be furious that Niven’s alleged dissent offence was a case of mistaken identity.
Niven later claimed that his team-mate Jamie Duff shouted at the far side assistant, who then reported back to ref Gary Hilland that it was Niven who made the comments.
The City man had already been booked, and was shown a red card which will keep him out of Saturday’s replay.
Elgin had a strong wind at their backs in the first half but failed to cash in on their advantage.
Daniel Moore went close with a free kick while Fraserburgh keeper Paul leask made fine saves from City defensive duo Jamie Duff and Mark Nicolson.
But the Highland League side created several good chances to break the deadlock as well, and City’s keeper Zander Clark also had some good saves to make.
One fine stop from Peter Alexander Bruce let to a goalmouth scramble, during which Clark was knocked out cold after receiving a kick on the head from his own player, Paul Kaczan.
Clark resumed after treatment but was unable to continue in the second half, sub keeper John Calder taking over between the sticks.
Brian Cameron missed the best chance of the first half for City, heading over from close range with only Leask to beat.
Fraserburgh held the upper hand with the wind in the second half, but Bruce scraped the woodwork with a 25 yarder and both Graham Johnston and Mark Cowie tested Calder from distance.
After Niven was sent packing, Cameron had a great chance to win the tie for City in stoppage time but dragged his shot wide after being put clean through by Daniel Moore.
