Well can things get any more ridiculous in this Ian MacDonald 2nd round cup match. I commented last week that there was no point replaying this fixture at Broughton because I knew for a fact that the lines would be the same as last week -- non existant and I was right.

The referee for the game is decent but also a total stickler for the rules and it was no surprise to me when he called the two managers into the corridor to call the match off and in my opinion he has a point cause the lines are not there.

A masterplan was then put into place with contacts being used to host the game across the road at Fettes where we quickly put the nets up and got the game going on what is a fantastic big park. The ref was slightly reluctant when pointing out that extra time would not be possible due to the light if it were again to end in a draw but what was the chances of that??????

We lined up with Gary D in the goals and reverted to a back four with myself and stevie in the middle and Hayden and Barry Mac taking the full back slots.

The midfield saw a start for the ever injured Sedds who joined Andy Fraser in the centre with Doiger on the left and managers lover Warren on the right. Jamie and Chris M started up top.

It could not of started better for us when after just two minutes Hayden gave the ball to Warren who was deep in our half he saw McGrogan move and pinged a ball over the top which Chris ran on to leaving the defender in his wake before tucking a great finish into the corner.

Unfortunately that was about as good as it got for us in the first half as we played poorly after that and allowed Links to score two goals with one being an absolute peach into the top corner from 25 yards. We did put a couple of dangerous balls into the box and jamie should have done better when heading over an open goal after the keeper had fumbled.

2-1 to Links at half time and no arguments as we could have been further behind and there two strikers were causing us problems with their movement. Team talk was easy as we could not really play much worse so it was sleeves up and disaster as we lost a goal right at the start of the second half when they broke clear down the left and although looking offside the number 10 got to by line and cut the ball back for a tap in to put them 3-1 up.

Then it was our turn and we rolled the sleeves up and took a bit of control in the game snapping into tackles and trying to get to the ball first. Mikey made three changes quite quickly with Euan Scott, Darren Waugh and Darren Barnett coming on for Doiger, Hayden and Mcgrogan.

Darren waugh made an instant impact when his tenacious running saw him wriggle free and after missing several good chances in recent weeks he made some amends by poking it into the corner to give us a life line. For the next 10 minutes we knocked at the door but could nto get the goal and we then gave the ball away really cheaply (again!!!!) on the left and they got clear and again squared for an easy tap in finish despite Gary getting hands on the ball.

There was still time left though and Mikey through caution to the wind with some Calderwood tactics firstly throwing Stevie Gray up top and then throwing myself up as well to play a 2-4-4 formation with the aim being get it long.

We won a few corners and Links were standing firm before Warren at the 734th time of asking swung a near post ball in which I got a good connection on to head down into the near corner and into the net in the 84th minute. Someone on the sideline shouted that it was like Hateley in his hey day the way he got his head on aball that was behind him.

No time for celebrations though and we continued to throw the ball up and another corner caused panic in the box with Stevie Gray poking it home in a scramble and whilst we celebrated the ref disallowed it for handball. I never saw it but Stevie said it hit the top of his arm as it bounced up. A bit harsh then if that was the case.

That looked to be it but then what a period of injury time took place. Another ball found Sedds on the edge of the box and his chipped toe poke effort from 20 yards sailed into the top corner to level the scores again with what must have been the last kick of the game.

Links took kick off and then broke clear and the well struck shot looked destined to nestle in the corner but somehow just squeezed wide. And still time for another chance as Darren Barnett was sent clear and he raced through on goal with everyone shouting hit it. Barno however had other ideas and looked to pass it inside but instead blew his chance to become a club legend. He later admitted that he was not in the right frame of mind to score a goal as his mind was occupied with assisting his Fiancee to be with putting up their Xmas tree tonight. He has also asked Ross to wrap her xmas present as he has never had a girlfriend before at this time of year. Fortunately Elizabeth Duke at Argos have gift wrapped the cubic zirconia engagment ring for him.

Anway the resulting goal kick was the last of the game and we will have to do it all again at some point.

Big game next week with the trip to Stirling in the East of Scotland Cup

in the league Lauriston beat Dunalba 2-1 and the students at heriot Watt continued there indifferent form with a 7-0 thrashing at Blackridge. If only they had polayed us after half the squad went home on holidays.