Hermes: Lee Sweeney, Fraser Strachan, Lee Smith, Alasdair Brown, Grant Campbell, Keith Wilson, Alan McRae, Connor McKenzie, Michael Smith, Michael Dawson, Craig Macklin.

Substitutes: Ryan Nash, Greg Watson, Christopher Courage.

East End: Rhys Leiper, Lewis Masson, Kyle Willox, Callum Youngson, Richie Petrie, Paul Rennie, Christopher Fairley, Peter McKay, Stuart Fraser, Elliot Macdonald, Callum Dunbar.

Substitutes: Conor Dickie, Gavin Elphinstone, Craig Mackie, Mohammed Mbarki, Sean Rogers

Referee: Caryl Potten Assistants: Garry Duncan, Stuart Inverarity

New Advocates Park was looking in great shape for this GA Engineering Inter Regional Cup Tie and, although it was bitterly cold, the lack of wind and a firm pitch made for ideal footballing conditions.

There was an explosive start to proceedings when, in the 8th minute, Alasdair Brown was adjudged to have fouled an East End forward as he headed towards goal and, after consulting his assistant, the referee produced a red card, and the visitors were reduced to 10 men.

Hermes hurriedly reshuffled their defence with Lee Smith moving infield to partner Grant Campbell and Craig Macklin dropping to left back.

However losing a player at this early stage appeared not to hamper Hermes and they proceeded to dominate play.

Despite the visitors’ good play, the first goal, when it came in 28 minutes, was the result of a defensive mix-up by the home side.

Good pressure by Michael Dawson saw keeper Rhys Leiper landed in trouble by a short pass back and when his hurried clearance landed at Dawson’s feet, he wasted no time in squaring the ball across goal to MICHAEL SMITH who tapped the ball into the empty net.

Hermes continued to enjoy the bulk of possession but were unable to add to their tally.

Half-time: East End 0-1 Hermes

Kicking down the slope at New Advocates, East End made a much more positive start to the second half, pinning the home side back into their own half for a long spell.

The Hermes back four were in resolute mood, however, and they coped well with the lively home forwards.

Hermes midfield slowly regained their grip on proceedings and they stretched their lead in 67 minutes when the tireless MICHAEL DAWSON forced another defensive mistake and then latched onto a poor clearance to roll the ball into the net.

The second goal seemed to take the wind out of the home side’s sails and, with the introduction of Christopher Courage and Greg Watson for Keith Wilson and Alan McRae, the Bridge of Don side comfortably sealed their passage into the next round.

Full-time: East End 0-2 Hermes

Despite playing for over 80 minutes with only ten men, this was, in the first half particularly, one of Hermes best performances of the season so far.

Determined defending by Fraser Strachan, Grant Campbell, Lee Smith and stand-in full back Craig Macklin, ably backed up by the confident handling of keeper Lee Sweeney, saw the visitors turn in an excellent defensive display.

Allied to a skilful midfield and the hard work of the strikers, Hermes made light work of their numerical deficit.

East End were well off the pace in the first half but they started well after the interval. In the end, however, they failed to capitalise on their extra man and Hermes were well worth their place in the draw for the next round.