Hermes set off quickly and could have scored within a minute but ‘keeper Hay did well to hold a Wilson shot after the Hermes’ forward had picked up on a through ball. The goal, however, was only delayed for one minute when A COURAGE met a deep cross from Alexander and powered the ball into the home net. A corner from Alexander almost had the same effect as this time Dawson got on the end but his shot slid past the target. Hermes use of the quick through ball was having a devastating effect on the home defence and the usually reliable A Courage rolled a simple chance past the post.

In the 22nd minute Glentanar’s Walker surged forward and launched a thunderous drive which brought out a great save from Sweeney. In the 24th minute, chaos in the home box gave Hermes chances to score but eventually C Courage drove wide. However, the second goal was only delayed for four minutes. Again it was a long ball from Alexander which found DAWSON who ran on and slipped the ball home. Two minutes late it was ALEXANDER’s turn to score when he drove, an edge of the box free kick, low past Hay.

Glentanar created a chance in the 37th minute but the resulting shot came back off the bar. The ball was quickly transferred forward and only a superbly timed tackle from Wood prevented A Courage from netting. Three minutes later A COURAGE again got on the end of an Alexander cross and headed home. Within three minutes Dawson was brought down in the box and A COURAGE completed his hat trick from the spot.

Half Time: Glentanar 0 – 5 Hermes

Initially Hermes restarted from where they left off but their first half sharpness seemed to have gone and chances were missed. After 55 minutes a double substitution was made with McRae and Garrett replacing A Courage and Wilson. Glentanar were giving a better account of themselves in the early stages of the second half with Simpson showing a good touch when on the ball. Hermes were still creating and wasting chances and it took until the 73rd minute for Scott GARRETT to head home another Alexander cross. Veteran centre back Greg Pirie went off at this stage and McKenzie went into the heart of the Hermes’ defence.

Glentanar’s youngsters were clearly tiring now and Hermes were managing to create gaps in the hard working home defence. With 13 minutes to go Garrett got to the bye line and cut the ball back for McRAE to slot home. Two minutes later the exact same move resulted in another goal for McRAE. Minutes later Dawson cut the ball back for GARRETT to score. The home side continued to work hard and their endeavours got the reward they deserved when substitute REID headed home a deep cross. The scoring was not yet finished and GARRETT completed the scoring in the 89th minute to complete a second half hat trick.

Final Score: Glentanar 1 – 10 Hermes

Glentanar fielded a very young team for this GA Engineering cup tie and the youngsters deserve great credit for their performance. They were perhaps unfortunate that they met a Hermes team in such a determined mood.