Bertha’s progress in Knockout Cup’s only game

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In what was the only surviving match in the Cup this weekend due to the inclement weather, this game had it all. Bertha’s FC v Finn McCool’s had five goals, as many cards, a sending off and a penalty.

It was Berthas who got off to the perfect start after Finn’s mistake from kick off left Pollock clean through and the winger dispatched with ease to put the league leaders 1-0 up after 30 seconds. Finns started again this time spreading the ball and playing some neat football through the two centre midfielders.

The home side drew level after 15 minutes when the home side where awarded a penalty after a foul by Dysart in the area, Dobbin stepped up and put the ball in the bottom right hand corner, despite Elder guessing the right way. 1-1 became 2-1 to the away side when a well won header by Hoey at the back was controlled by McGarvey who played a precision through ball into the path of McLaughlin who slotted home from 12 yards.

Finn’s continued to press well when play was stopped when Dysart fouled again and the referee rightly showed him his second yellow of the game. This was the wake up call Berthas needed, after playing against 10 men for 50 minutes last week the shoe was on the other foot and stepped up to the mark. They grabbed number three when Stewart latched onto a through ball and squared it to McLaughlin, he pulled it back for McGarvey who struck the woodwork from the edge of the area, Stewart was on hand to stick it away for Berthas third.

Bertha’s continued to apply pressure despite having the one man disadvantage. Stewart who ran tirelessly all game was awarded for his efforts McGarvey played him in and the talisman dispatched the ball home for his second and Bertha’s fourth of the game. The second half was a pretty dull affair as the away side were content on their lead while Finn’s found chances hard to come by and it was the away team who advanced to the next round. Man of the Match: William Stewart (Bertha’s FC)

Fixtures Saturday 8 February

Ballyrashane v Coleraine Olympic Rugby Ave 4; Brook Street v Glebe Rangers Old Boys Crescent 3; Dunaghy Old Boy’s v Bertha’s FC Dunaghy; FC Crusaders v FC Windyhall Rugby Avenue 2; Hazelbank v Finn McCool’s Rugby Avenue 1; Portrush Old Boys FC v West Bann Athletic Rugby Avenue 3; Villagers FC v Taverners Castlerock