Post match report

Sunnybank 2 - Ellon 3

Ellon United’s trip to Lochside Park proved most successful when they returned home with the silverware thanks to their 3 - 2 win over the holders Sunnybank in the final of The ATR Group Cup last Friday evening, an emotional match ending with their skipper Scott Clark stepping forward to collect the trophy.

United’s prospects looked far from good when Ally Reid took advantage of a mistimed headed back pass to put Sunnybank ahead with less than two minutes played then a header off a corner came back off the bar just two minutes later. United recovered and equalised when Grant Noble managed to keep possession out on the left and squared to Derek Craigie. He slipped the ball forward to match Grant Noble’s run and although his shot was cleared off the line Gary McNamara was able to follow up to put the sides level.

United were finding it difficult to deal with the greasy, bumpy conditions and this cost them when they were unable to cut out a through ball with Bartlet moving clear to give Sunnybank the lead again.

Ben Chapman drilled home United’s second equaliser midway through the half. Both sides had openings before the interval with Jim Ellis almost giving United the lead into the break with a header which brought out an excellent save from Sweeney.

Sunnybank had more of the possession at the start of the second half but United defended with determination with Steve King leading by example at the heart of backline and they always threatened on the break. It was United who made the breakthrough when a fine through ball from Grant Noble released Gary McNamara who was brought down from behind as he ran into the box. Sunnybank’s Greig was red carded for his pains before Grant Noble sent Sweeney the wrong way from the spot kick.

Sunnybank reacted strongly pushing the ball forward in search of their equaliser and they almost made it when Gordon latched on to a headed clearance only to see his shot hit the inside of the post and fly to safety. United were content to hit on the break with Sweeney forced to tip over a shot from Stuart Batty and shots from Danny Tritton, Ben Chapman, Gary McNamara, Derek Craigie, Grant Noble, Scott Clark and Michael Fletcher all missing the target.

ELLON UNITED: Bowman, Batty, Clark, King, Chalmers, Tritton, McNamara, Ellis, Craigie, Noble, Chapman. Subs: Fletcher, Gunn, McDonald, Thompson, Ord.

United were delighted to finish off a good season on a high note and would like to thank all their supporters, not only for their support on Friday night but for all their support throughout the season.