YFS
After a slight delay, the third round of the Scottish Youth Cup between Montrose and Motherwell was ready to kick off. Both teams have played well so far in the cup, and Motherwell were in excellent form having beaten Aberdeen and Rangers in recent games so it looked like it could be a great game.
Motherwell had the first chance of the match, Paul McCafferty collected a loose ball at the edge of the box but his low shot was blocked. Motherwell started the game off by playing a few dangerous long balls, but the Montrose defence handled it well.
Montrose came close after a nice passing move led to Ryan Cameron playing a great pass to Sturrock who powered a shot towards goal but it was blocked by a Motherwell player and then cleared. Not long after in the 18th minute Dom Thomas was through on goal, but he took a heavy touch inside the Montrose box letting Johnson collect the ball.
Motherwell took the lead in the 21st minute. Dom Thomas and David Ferguson combined on the left flank and then played it into the centre of the box to Steven Higgins. The striker controlled the ball well then smashed it low past the keeper making it 1-0.
Motherwell almost made it two when McCafferty from the right side of the pitch cut the ball back to Moore who took a shot but it was deflected over the bar. From the corner, Murray headed the ball at the back post but it went narrowly wide.
Montrose almost equalised in the 33rd minute. Sam Simpson struck a long shot volley from roughly thirty yards out, it took a bounce in the box and then brushed past the post. Montrose came close again when Cameron’s shot was tipped over the bar. The proceeding corner was also saved after Sturrock managed to head it towards goal.
Motherwell scored a second goal in the 40th minute. Craig Moore grabbed his 10th goal of the under 20’s season. Moore cut out a short back pass to the keeper and then skilfully chipped the ball over the keeper and then into the net, bringing the score to 2-0 as half time was closing in.
Motherwell increased the lead once again right before half time. Jack Leitch sent a lovely ball into the box from a corner then Euan Murray leaped into the air and headed the ball into the back of the net making it 3-0. The half time whistle blew shortly after and the Montrose left the field down by three goals. Motherwell were in command of the game, creating plenty of chances with some brilliant passing moves. Montrose had a couple of close opportunities but needed to get into the game.