Merpro travelled through to Finlathen Park on Saturday to take on Tayside Fire Brigade in the quarter finals of the North of Tay District Cup. Only three points separate the two teams in the George Buckman Premier League, so a close game was expected even though Merpro were going into the match on the back of four straight wins.

From the kick-off the Fire Brigade made it clear they did had no intentions of that becoming five, as they pinned the Montrose team back, not allowing them any time to get into their normal passing game. The home side continued to press and caused all sorts of problems through a very good work rate and excellent movement, with Graeme French and Craig Davidson creating most of the difficulty for the visiting team. Merpro were barely able to get out of their own half in the first 20 minutes, with some sloppy control and loose passing not helping their cause.

Fine defensive displays however have contributed hugely to the visitors recent run of good results and this was to keep them in the game with Mark Findlay in the Merpro goal barely troubled for all the home side’s pressure.

Eventually Merpro clawed their way into the game, breaking the Fire Brigade’s momentum in the process. They however never managed to trouble Millar in the opposition goal either, and half time came with the score still 0 – 0.

Merpro started the second half much the stronger side, with Scott Graham on his own up front getting much better support from the Merpro midfielders, with wide players Campbell Bruce and Gordon Houston managing to put some good crosses in, and central midfielder Craig Allan now managing to play further forward to link play up.

The game was turned on its head in Tayside’s first real attack of the second half, and having found themselves with players in the Merpro 18 yard box they took full advantage when Sean Whitworth’s attempted clearance under pressure dropped 12 yards out. The Brigade reacted quickest, and Findlay had no chance when McDonald ran through on his own to score on 55 minutes.

Merpro immediately went on the offensive again with the match returning to the home side’s half, and within 10 minutes the visitors had got their equaliser. With Tayside unable to clear the ball from their own box, it was down to Scott Graham to take full advantage, when he turned and fired a tremendous left foot shot into the net from 12 yards, receiving a late tackle, and very sore ankle for his efforts.

The game swung from end to end, but neither keeper was really being troubled, until the referee made a decision which would eventually kill Merpro’s chances of reaching the semi-finals. As Tayside once more applied pressure in the visitor’s box, Chris Milne was adjudged to have struck the ball with his arm. A penalty was awarded; with a very frustrated Milne booked for his heated appeal.

Although Findlay guessed the right way, he could not do enough to stop the ball hitting the back of the net from the penalty kick, and Tayside regaining their lead on 75 minutes.

Merpro refused to give up, and continued to throw everything at the home side, both Euan Duff and Paul Duncan being added up front in an effort to save the game.

In a frenzied end to the match the referee once again became centre stage. Milne having found himself just outside the opposition 18 yard box cut inside and beat two players to get inside the box before he was taken down by a third defender. It looked a clear penalty, but the referee who claimed not to have seen it, was not of the same opinion. Though not seeing the foul, he did hear Milne’s frustrated appeal, and deemed it strong enough to warrant a second yellow card, with Merpro then finding themselves down to 10 men for the remaining minutes of the match.

Tayside Fire Brigade held out, running out 2 – 1 winners with the visitors left feeling frustrated about what could have been. While showing plenty of desire to keep themselves in the match, there was not the same quality and composure shown in more recent performance to get the result they craved.

Merpro are in Cup action again next week when they travel to Wellbank for the 2^nd round of the Ferraris Shield, a trophy they won in Season 2009/2010.

Merpro 3 v 4 St James
Saturday 7/1/12
Premier League

Merpro resumed Premier League action with their first match into the New Year 'first footed' by St James following the festive break.
St James are viewed as one of the top sides in the Midlands and had ex Tayport Scottish Cup winner Grant Patterson in their side.
St James started the brightest and Findlay had to make a good low save following a quick breakaway attack in 5 minutes.
Merpro gradually weathered the early pressure and settled into the match.
Whitworth hit a 22 yard free kick just over the bar in 12 minutes.
Merpro went ahead with a goal of perseverance from Euan Duff in 20 minutes.
He chased down a difficult pass back from McAlpine and won a strong tackle with GK Darling to slot home from close range to make it 1-0.
Nicol Duff was next to threaten pushing forward to come close firing in a cross shot in 22 minutes.
Merpro then conceded an equaliser when possession was lost on the edge of the box after a short goalkick allowed Jorgenson to run through and score to make it 1-1 in 28 minutes.
Findlay then did well to save  from  another quick breakaway attack following a long ball from defence in 30 minutes.
Merpro went back into the lead following a good move down the left flank resulting in Houston floating in a cross collected high by the keeper but as he returned to the ground he collided with Graham who promptly passed into the box for the supporting Craig Allan to fire into the net from 8 yards to make it 2-1 in 32 minutes.
Merpro were now on top and Milne set up Euan Duff to run through but he was brought down on the edge of the box. Craig Allan's resultant curling free kick was subsequently saved by the GK in 34 minutes.
Milne was next to break forward but his effort at goal was saved by the keeper in 36 minutes.
Merpro continued to threaten and Euan Duff came close with a header following a corner kick in 38 minutes.
Following another good passing move involving Whitworth and Nicol Duff set up Euan Duff but his effort went over the bar in 42 minutes.
Merpro reached the half time break comfortably ahead after a disciplined and solid performance.
St James started the second period at a higher tempo but in a similar pattern to the first half it was Merpro who gradually began to create the best chances.
Craig Allan came close with a driven shot from the edge of the box following a Duff lay off from a good passing move in 52 minutes.
Merpro were then denied a goal when Greig chased down GK Darlings clearance jumping to block his kick and fire into the net but the goal was disallowed as the referee deemed he had inadvertently blocked with his hand.
Merpro were then denied another well worked goal when Craig Allan slotted home from close range after a low driven cross into the box from Graham in 55 minutes. Without any claims from the opposition the referee controversially somehow deemed the goal was offside despite the cross being played back and Allan running in behind a defender.
The Merpro momentum began to subside allowing St James to gain some consistent possession but it was still a surprise when they snatched an equalising goal when Jorgensen fired in a snap shot from 16 yards into the net in 66 minutes.
Merpro immediately hit back an came close when Graham fired in a dangerous cross with defender McAlpine almost clearing into his own net in 68 minutes.
The match then reached it's turning point as a result of three further separate contentious officiating decisions.
St James were awarded a penalty when Graeme Allan charged down a snap shot and was deemed to have handled the ball. During the subsequent furore Craig Allan was incredulously sent off for his protestations. St James duly converted the penalty to take the lead for the first time in the match in 72 minutes.
St James then went further ahead when Rigden collected a through ball to run in on goal to score despite looking to be blatantly offside amidst the home side's protestations in the 75th minute.
A match that appeared to be comfortable for Merpro had completely turned on it's head as a result of a series of controversial decisions.
Despite being reduced to 10 men Merpro slowly regrouped and attempted to get back into the match.
Ally Duff made a forcing run into the box but his shot at goal was well saved by the keeper in 82 minutes.
Lownie then made another forcing run into the box firing in a high shot tipped over the bar by the custodian in 85 minutes.
Merpro came close again when a corner kick fell for Ally Duff but his snap shot just wen wide of the post in 86 minutes.
Merpro pulled a goal back when finally Ally Duff's rampaging runs paid off when he ran in on goal from the right flank and slipped in a shot at the near post despite the GK managing to claw the ball back brother finished off just in case to make it 4-3 in 88 minutes.
Merpro tried in the final minutes to snatch a deserved equaliser but St James managed to hold onto a fortuitous win acknowledged in the match aftermath.
Team:Findlay,A.Duff,N.Duff,Milne,Whitworth(Lownie),G.Allan,Greig(Bruce),C.Allan,Graham(Duncan),E.Duff,Houston.Subs:Gall,Murdoch.

Match Sponsor : R.Coull and Son.

Broughty United 4 v 5 Merpro
Premier League
Saturday 26/11/11

Merpro resumed Premier League action on Saturday and returned home from Dundee
with a stunning last gasp victory after coming back from a three goal deficit to
claim full points.
Merpro have a history of providing games of high drama and this match continued
the recent tradition.
On a blustery day Broughty started brightly with the wind at their backs and
soon opened the scoring after a Merpro loose back pass was pounced upon by
Stevenson and he ran through to score after 4 minutes.
Findlay made a good low diving save to tip a fierce shot round the post in 9
minutes.
Broughty went further ahead when a midfielder burst through fortuitously
collecting a clearance and slipping in a low cross for Gollan to fire in a low
shot to make it 2-0 in 12 minutes.
Merpro began to settle but found it difficult to find their feet and the final
cohesive pass to trouble their opponents.
Broughty then went further ahead with another Merpro gifted goal when a
difficult lofted back pass was chested down by Findlay but his clearance was
hurried and fell for Stevenson to calmly take his time to fire in a low drive
into the net to make it 3-0 after 25 minutes.
Merpro slowly worked their way back into the match and managed to get some
concerted possession pushing Broughty back. Bruce and Craig Allan combined to
set up Duncan to run in on goal but GK Calder saved well in 37 minutes.
Bruce then did well cutting inside firing in a curling left foot shot tipped
round the post in 43 minutes.
Merpro reached the half time break without further self inflicted wounds to
regroup.
Merpro now with the wind at their backs quickly hit back when Ally Duff
combining with Duncan and Allan made a storming run into the box firing in a
shot partially saved by the GK but as the ball flew goal wards defender Kenny
cleared with an arm and a penalty was awarded along with a red card.
Craig Allan abided his time as the GK was treated for a lengthy injury and then
steered a low shot into the net to make it 3-1 in 48 minutes.
This was the impetus Merpro needed and a period of sustained pressure ensued
eventually resulting in a well worked goal after Bruce played in a clever
chipped pass over the defence for Rhys Greig to run in from the left drawing out
the GK to slip a low shot into the net from 12 yards to make it 3-2 in 54
minutes.
Merpro's pressure intensified further and after a corner kick an amazing old
time stramash
occurred when incredibly four separate short range efforts were cleared off the
goal line by effective desperate Broughty defending in 56 minutes.
Craig Alan then came close with a curling edge of the box free kick in 58
minutes.
Broughty were now pinned back and Euan Duff was next to create a good chance but
his driving shot went over the bar in 60 minutes.
Duff then had a further great chance but his 8 yard header from an Allan corner
kick went just over the bar in 62 minutes.
Whitworth then had an edge of the box free kick saved by the keeper in 64
minutes.
Bruce then created another great chance with a dangerous low cross but Duncan
was just unable to connect with a low sliding lunge at the back post in 66
minutes.
Merpro were stunned a couple of minutes later when Broughty out of the blue made
a rare quick break and Stevenson managed to evade a challenge to clinically fire
in a low shot into the net to make it incredibly 4-2 in 70 minutes.
After a few minutes of recovery Merpro soon resumed the task and renewed the
momentum building up pressure.
Duncan managed to turn his opponent on the edge of the box to attempt to run at
goal but was brought down but somehow the penalty claims were denied in 74
minutes.
Merpro were now relentless and created further chances with Greig and Milne who
beat three players in a determined run both being denied by GK Calder in one on
one situations.
Milne then had left foot effort well saved by the GK from 18 yards.
Merpro continued to play some excellent football in difficult conditions and
further chances were created for Graham to run in on goal but a last ditch
tackle thwarted his opportunity
Graham had another chance dribbling past players but at close range the
excellent custodian again made a brave save to deny in 82 minutes.
Milne and Ally Duff then had further efforts go just over the bar as the
incessant attacking continued.
Merpro determination was eventually rewarded when Sean Whitworth stopped low to
head into the net from 8 yards following a Graham corner kick to make it 4-3 in
86 minutes.
The Montrose side couldn't now be contained and equalised a couple of minutes
later when Sean Whitworth smashed in a close range shot following another
goalmouth melee to make it 4-4 in 88 minutes.
With the win now in Merpro's sights Euan Duff broke through the defence but GK
Calder again appeared to have saved his side with a superb save to deny a goal
in the 90th minute.
From the resultant curling corner kick the ball evaded all defenders and
attackers and just agonisingly scraped past the back post.
Merpro however were not to be denied as in the final minute of injury time
Graham managed to pick out Euan Duff in the box and he calmly composed himself
to drill a low 12 yard shot into the net to make it 5-4 in the 93rd minute
setting off exuberant scenes of joy.
Merpro's second half efforts created wave after wave of composed probing
attacking play and deserve great credit for such a determined disciplined
performance coming back from three goals down at the half time break.
Team:Findlay,A.Duff.N.Duff,Milne,Whitworth,G.Allan,Bruce(Pert),C.Allan,E.Duff,Duncan
(Graham),Greig.Subs:Gall,Houston,Murdoch.

Merpro 4 v 1 Carnoustie Athletic
North of Tay Cup 3rd Round
Saturday 19/11/11

Merpro moved into the last 16 of the North of Tay Cup after a good performance
on Saturday.
This is the furthest Merpro have managed to progress in the NOT and now have to
wait until February for the next round.
Merpro came out of the blocks quickly immediately pressurising their opponents
and were rewarded with an early opening goal.
Craig Allan played a quick short corner kick with Cruickshank who crossed for
Graham to glance a header to the back post pounced upon by Sean Whitworth to
blast a powerful rising shot high into the net from 8 yards after 3 minutes.
Graham was next to make a good run and his dangerous cross was well held by the
GK on 6 minutes.
Merpro should have went further ahead after Whitworth head flicked on an Allan
corner kick but Ally Duff somehow managed to shoot wide at the back post with a
close range left foot effort in 11 minutes.
Following an excellent passing move involving Whitworth, Euan and Ally Duff
finally crossed for a glancing Craig Allan header to be handled well by the GK
in 14 minutes.Craig Allan again came close with a rising left foot shot after
some good leading up play from Cruickshank and Euan Duff in 16 minutes.
Cruickshank then made a good wing run passing inside for Graham to drill in a
low left foot shot again well saved by the keeper in 19 minutes.
Merpro should have went further ahead when Graham latched onto a through ball
and ran in on goal but as he rounded the advancing GK his touch was heavy and
his opportunity was diverted wide for a corner kick in 22 minutes.
Merpro created another gilt edged chance when from another corner kick the ball
initially fell for Ally Duff but his effort was blocked rebounding for brother
Euan but he fired his rising shot over the bar from 10 yards in 25 minutes.
Carnoustie finally managed to gain a foothold as the incessant Merpro pressure
relented but despite some good play never created any significant chances.
As the half drew to a close Graham had another opportunity collecting a
Whitworth free kick in the box but fired his effort over the bar in 40 minutes
and a few minutes later after some good play Milne almost burst through but the
moment was well defended.
Somehow Carnoustie had survived the first half onslaught and must have been
encouraged to have only been one goal down at half time.
The visitors had the first chance of the second half when Findlay had to make a
good low diving save parrying a fierce 20 yard free kick cleared to safety by
Ally Duff under pressure in 48 minutes.
Carnoustie were now encouraged and put the home side under some concerted
pressure but good defence kept them at bay.
Merpro slowly returned to attack with Bruce floating in a cross for Cruickshank
to glance a header goal wards saved comfortably by the GK in 56 minutes.
Merpro's play was rewarded when Graham made a good run on the right drilling in
a dangerous low cross for Euan Duff to finish from 8 yards to make it 2-0 in 58
minutes.
Graham then did well collecting a pass and then fired a dangerous low cross
across the face of goal in 60 minutes.
Carnoustie almost snatched a goal with an edge of the box shot but Findlay
managed to tip the effort over the bar in 62 minutes.
Bruce then had a lofted shot saved by the keeper in 64 minutes.
Merpro then created another great chance with a good move involving Allan and
Graham setting up rebound efforts for  E.Duff, Cruickshank and Bruce but the
opportunities were not taken in 66 minutes.
Carnoustie out of the blue snatched a shot off the post on a breakaway attack in
68 minutes.
A minute later they clawed a goal back when Jarrett did well drifting wide and
fired in a low shot into the corner of the net to make it 2-1 in 68 minutes.
Merpro immediately responded to the threat with Cruickshank making a good
breaking run into the box but the GK did well to defy him in 70 minutes.
Carnoustie then had another good spell firing over the bar and a few minutes
later Nicol Duff made a good clearance to prevent a goal scoring opportunity.
However Merpro resumed in attack and good play from Cruickshank and Duff set up
Greig but he was thwarted as he ran in on goal.
Merpro went further ahead when Milne collected a short corner firing in a cross
which fell for Euan Duff to fire in a "Dambuster" type bouncing ball shot from
15 yards which found it's way into the net to make it 3-1.
Carnoustie's resistance was broken and Merpro dominated the latter stages with
further efforts from Nicol Duff and Greig being thwarted.
Merpro's overall dominance was finally emphasised when Chris Milne collected a
cross ball ran in on goal and after a series of rebound saves playing ping pong
with the keeper eventually finished off the opportunity to score to make it 4-1
capping off a good victory.
Team: Findlay,A.Duff,N.Duff,Milne(Murdoch),Whitworth,G.Allan,Bruce(Greig),C.Allan,Graham,E.Duff,
Cruickshank. Subs:Gall,Lownie,Pert.
Match Sponsor: R.Coull and Son.


Merpro 0 - 2 Invergowrie
Premier League
Saturday 12/11/11

Merpro continued in Premier League action on Saturday but were victims of a late
smash and grab raid from opponents Invergowrie.
Merpro largely dominated the match however were unable to convert a variety of
chances and ultimately were undone by two late goals from their visitors.
Invergowrie appeared wary of the home side lining up in a defensive set up
playing throughout the match with a isolated lone striker up front.
The match kicked off after an immaculately observed Remembrance weekend silence.
Merpro opened well and Lownie had a header cleared in the opening minutes
following a corner kick in 2 minutes.
Merpro came close again shortly after when Greig had a snap shot in the box
cleared off the line in 5 minutes.
Whitworth then set up Cruickshank with a long curling pass to make a good run
down the right wing crossing into the box for Graham to glance a header just
over the bar in 7 minutes.
Merpro were totally dominating the early stages of the match with Invergowrie
unable to make any Significant forward attacks.
Craig Allan did well to create space on the edge of the box then clipped in a
curling shot which just evaded the top corner of the net in 20 minutes.
Greig then managed to break through from the edge of the box but as he attempted
to gain some time to make some space to fire in a shot he was tackled and the
opportunity was thwarted in 24 minutes.
Invergowrie managed their first shot of the match when left winger Pullar fired
in a long range shot comfortably handled by Findlay in 28 minutes.
Merpro continued to dominate forcing corner kicks with Graham coming close from
a curling effort well tipped over the bar by GK Gourlay in 32 minutes.
Findlay then had to look lively to make a good save when an Invergowrie cross
ball was headed inadvertently back to his own goal by Graeme Allan who appeared
to have been fouled in the process in 34 minutes.
Merpro resumed attacking when Greig and Cruickshank combined well with the
latters dangerous cross ball well defended to safety in 35 minutes.
From  the resultant corner kick Mepro came close yet again when from another 6
yard box melee a snap shot from Greig was bundled clear off the line in 3
minutes.
Invergowrie were defending desperately and luck continued on their side when a
good interlinking passing move involving Cruickshank,Graham and Greig resulted
in a instinctive defensive clearance crashing back of the post preventing the
opening goal for Merpro in 38 minutes.
Graham then set up Craig Allan on the edge of the box but he was slightly off
balance firing his shot wide in 40 minutes.
Graeme Allan then made a fast break from defence interlinking with Graham
setting up Greig in the box but his 8 yard shot was superbly saved by the keeper
from what looked to be a certain goal in 43 minutes.
Whitworth then had a further shot blocked in the final minute of the first half
controlled by the home side but without finding the clinical finish.
Invergowrie came back out quickly and for the first time put Merpro under some
concerted pressure but the defence coped well denying any significant chances.
Merpro slowly resettled and Lownie chipped a deft pass over the defence for
Craig Allan to run onto and cross into the box but Greig was unable to keep his
effort down firing over the bar from 10 yards in 50 minutes.
Findlay then had to make a save from a curling shot from Carlin who had created
some space for himself in 55 minutes.
Merpro again came close when Sellar reacted quickest to a Craig Allan low corner
kick but his flicked shot just went past at the near post in 62 minutes.
Invergowrie were having more possession in the second half but the Merpro
rearguard were managing to keep them at bay and no clear cut chances were being
created.
Nicol Duff advanced forward in 66 minutes curling in a long range effort
comfortably saved by the good GK.
Merpro were beginning to show signs of frustration as the breakthrough continued
to elude them   as Invergowrie maintained an organised and  determined defence.
The visitors tactics were rewarded when they snatched the opening goal when from
a midfield free kick Pullar broke in between covering defenders to fire into the
net from 15 yards in 78 minutes.
Merpro attempted to get back into the match with Sellar setting up Graham but
his shot was saved in 80 minutes.
Lownie managed to clip in a effort but again the keeper saved comfortably in 84
minutes.
Merpro's efforts were becoming more frantic but good pressure from Cruickshsnk
and Euan Duff set up Graham but his flicked effort went wide in 88 minutes.
Invergowrie had the final closure as a mazy run from the right winger evaded a
series of tackles to fire in a composed finish from 16 yards to seal the points
in the last minute.
Merpro were left to rue their missed chances in an engrossing entertaining game.
Team: Findlay,A.Duff,N.Duff,Lownie,Whitworth(Milne),G.Allan,Cruickshank,C.Allan,Graham,Greig(E.Duff),Houston(Sellar).Subs:
Pert,Bruce.
Match Sponsor: RK Tool Hire.


Merpro 2 v 6 Carnoustie YM
Premier League
Saturday 5/11/11
Merpro hosted Carnoustie YM on Saturday in Premier League action. Unfotunately
for the home side the only sparkling Bonfire Day display on show was from the
visitors. Merpro  were given a painful lesson on the day in how to play slick
quick possession football along with maintaining regular constant pressure.
YM had an early opening when a diagonal cross evaded the Merpro defence but the
resultant shot went wide in 5 minutes.
Merpro first opening arrived from a Houston cross falling for Graham in the box
but his flick pass for Graeme Allan was intercepted in 8 minutes.
Merpro went behind following a loose pass being intercepted allowing Carnoustie
to sweep forward and open the scoring from Garvock in 10 minutes.
Merpro immediately hit back with a well taken goal from Scott Graham collecting
a high A.Duff free kick on his chest and then calmly rounding the GK to score in
11 minutes to make it 1-1.
Merpro created another opening when Graham and Bruce combined for Whitworth but
the chance was lost.
Merpro then went behind again following another loose gifted pass setting up a
midfielder to run onto and crack an unstoppable shot into the net in 14 minutes.
Merpro fought back and Graeme Allan broke through on the right flank but the GK
saved well pushing his shot wide for a corner kick in 18 minutes.
From the resultant corner kick YM made a fast breakaway and good cover pressure
from Ally Duff and save from Findlay prevented a further goal.
Merpro created another good opening when Graham broke through on his own but was
unable  to finish clinically allowing the keeper to save in 20 minutes.
At this stage Merpro looked to be matching their opponents but a moment of quick
thinking and fine skill set them further behind.
Carnoustie played in a low quick free kick to the edge of the box for the
dangerous Garvock to deftly leave his marker In his wake before slipping in a
low cross into the box for his co striker Neave to tap into the net from 5 yards
for an excellently worked goal to make it 3-1 in 25 minutes.
Merpro although stunned continued to look for another opening and Graham did
well drifting inside past a couple of markers then fired a low shot wide of the
post in 28 minutes.
Graeme Allan then did well crossing for Graham but under pressure directed his
header wide in 32 minutes.
Bruce did well to drift into a position in the box but snatched at his shot and
fired wide in 35 minutes.
A further loose pass allowed YM to make a quick fire break but this time the
finishing shot went wide in 38 minutes.
Merpro made the most of this let off by clawing a goal back when Graeme Allan
made a good right wing run into the box composing himself before drilling a low
shot into the net to make it 3-2 in 40 minutes.
However in the story of the Merpro's first half they gifted yet another goal
with a further loose pass on the edge of the box allowing Neave to run in on
goal to finish to make it 4-2 in 43 minutes.
Merpro made some tactical changes at half time hoping to improve midfield
competitiveness and created an early opening.
Euan Duff made a good run in on goal with his effort being blocked but then then
passed for Whitworth but he fired his 8 yard effort over the bar in the 48th
minute.
Carnoustie however soon extended their lead with a cleverly worked goal
following a short corner kick move with Garvock calmly playing in a short pass
for the unmarked Neave to slot home from 6 yards under claims for an offside
decision in 52 minutes to make it 5-2.
Carnoustie went further ahead with a slick passing move down the right wing and
cross into the box finished by Garvock from close range to make it 6-2 in 70
minutes.
Carnoustie continued to play some neat passing football and remained  on top for
the remainder of the match.
Only some stout defending from the Merpro rearguard prevented further scoring
and the visitors eventually ran out comfortable winners.
Although Carnoustie were worthy winners and turned in an impressive performance
Merpro largely contributed to their own downfall with some uncharacteristic
loose passes in the first half to gift at least three of their opponents goals.
Team:Findlay,Murdoch(Greig),N.Duff,Bruce(Duncan),A.Duff,Lownie(E.Duff),G.Allan,C.Allan,Graham,Whitworth,Houston,Subs:Pert,Sellar.
Match Sponsor:R.Coull and Son.



Logie Harp 3 v 2 Merpro
Premier League
Saturday 29/10/11
Merpro renewed acquaintance with rivals Logie Harp on Saturday in Dundee
Harp finished runners up to Merpro last season in the Division 1 title race.
Both sides opened up slowly but it was Merpro who opened the scoring after 10 minutes.
Ally Duff connected with a powerful header from 10 yards following an Allan corner kick to make it 1-0.
Harp replied almost immediately with a long range shot from Donald coming back of the post.
Harp then had a spell of dominance and equalised when another break from midfield resulted in another long range shot hitting the back of the net in 16 minutes.
A quick fire double stunned Merpro when a pacy quick passing move broke through the Merpro rearguard and the Harp attacker drilled a low shot into the corner of the net in 18 minutes.
Merpro were being pressed back but slowly regrouped and managed to hold off the pressure.
Bruce had an opportunity to slip in a left foot shot when the ball fell to him in the box but the GK saved well in 22 minutes.
Graham set up a cross for Whitworth at the back post but his stretching header went wide in 25 minutes.
Allan then made a break from midfield but the ball held up in the increasingly muddy surface but eventually reached Greig who clipped in shot from 14 yards only to be cleared off the line in 35 minutes.
Harp finished off the first half well forcing Findlay to make two excellent consecutive finger tip saves in the closing minutes.
The early stages of the second half became a dour struggle in the greasy conditions as neither side established any initial dominance.
However as the half wore on it was Merpro who gradually exerted their will with a build up of determined pressure.
Allan came close with a curling edge of the box shot in 75 minutes after good initial pressure play by Ally Duff.
Merpro pressure was rewarded when Craig Allan equalised with a glancing header from 12 yards after a Bruce trademark long throw into the box in 77 minutes.
Murdoch was next to threaten but his shot went wide in 80 minutes.
With the match looking likely to be heading for a fair draw result Harp however had the final sting in the tail when they won an edge of the box free kick.
Johnston sized up the Merpro defensive organisation and saw a gap clipping in a direct curling shot in at the near post in 85 minutes for the eventual winner.
Team Findlay,Murdoch,Houston,Bruce,A.Duff,Lownie,E.Duff,C.Allan,Graham(Duncan),Whitworth,Greig.Subs:Brown, N.Duff.


Merpro 4 v 3 Broughty United
Premier League
Saturday 22/10/11
Merpro entertained Broughty United to Montrose for Premier League action on Saturday.
Merpro had to make several changes to the side as a result of injuries and various commitments.
Broughty currently sitting in 2nd place started the match with a strong wind on their backs and kept Merpro pegged back in the opening stages.
Lownie and Nicol Duff had to make two good blocks to prevent shots at goal.
Broughty opened the scoring when left back Melville latched onto a ball and fired in a 25 yard shot into the top of the net evading Findlay's clutches in 10 minutes.
Merpro slowly started to get back into the match and began to get forward with some good moves.
Euan Duff made a good run setting up Graham to run in on goal but  GK Haig made a good parry save in 12 minutes.
Nicol Duff then had to make another good block to prevent an effort on goal in 14 minutes.
Graham and Greig then combined well for Merpro but the latters lofted effort at goal was saved by the keeper in 16 minutes.
Another incisive Merpro midfield passing move set up Craig Allan to run in on goal and his dangerous low cross was almost deflected into the net in 22 minutes.
Merpro looked to have equalised when Whitworth knocked down a Nicol Duff free kick in the box falling for Euan Duff to fire in a 16 yard goal bound shot but Haig made an excellent diving save to prevent the goal in 30 minutes.
Broughty responded and came close on a breakaway run with lofting a 18 yard shot over the bar in 34 minutes.
Broughty came close again but GK Findlay made a superb low scooping save from a 10 yard snap shot in 36 minutes.
Merpro made the most of their keepers save equalising two minutes later when Ally Duff rose majestically to powerfully head home a Craig Allan corner kick from 10 yards to make it 1-1.
Merpro went ahead with a quick fire second goal when Craig Allan sent a sublime defence splitting pass through for Graham to run in on goal to slip in a low cross for the supporting Rhys Greig to tap into the net from 5 yards to make it 2-1 in 42 minutes.
Merpro were now on top and Nicol Duff won a strong midfield tackle to set up Alan but his left foot shot was blocked and from the resultant cross Whitworth had his header saved by the GK.
Merpro were now running rampant and following another quick passing move Whitworth had a goal bound shot deflected over the bar to bring the first half to a close.
Merpro started the second half well when Greig quick throw in set up Graham to run in on goal but a recovery block tackle prevented him scoring in 50 minutes.
Merpro were then reduced to 10 men whilst Euan Duff received treatment for an injury and Broughty almost grabbed an equliser when an 18 yard shot cannoned off the bar in 55 minutes.
Broughty then forced a series of corners putting Merpro under some concerted pressure which finally paid off when a cross ball was unable to be cleared and from the resultant melee the ball was clipped into the net by McIntosh taking a slight deflection to make it 2-2 in 65 minutes.
Broughty had taken control of the match but Merpro fought back with Murdoch firing a 20 yard shot wide.
A few minutes later Merpro were unlucky when a thunderous Whitworth 25 yard free kick cannoned back off the bar in 70 minutes.
Merpro then created two gilt edged opportunities when Graham cut in on goal from the left wing on his own but the GK made a low diving save from his curled effort in 72 minutes.
Graham shortly after collected a loose clearance from the keeper to run in on goal again but this time he agonisingly slipped his shot wide.
Broughty made the most of their let off when they went ahead from McIntosh following a disputed free kick failing to be cleared in the box in 78 minutes.
Merpro picked up their game again and looked to have equalised when Allan had the ball in the net from a Whitworth pass but was given offside in 82 minutes.
Merpro refused to lie down and gained their reward when Murdoch was taken out on the edge of the box with a dangerous lunge tackle.
Craig Allan stepped up to superbly curl in a low free kick into the corner of the net for the equaliser to make it 3-3 in the 85th minute.
Emotions were now running high with some meaty challenges taking place all over the pitch but it was Merpro who finally managed to force the decisive action of the match.
Whitworth chased down a defender winning a tackle to run in on goal and strongly shrug off two challenges in the box before being brought down for a dramatic late penalty kick.
Craig Allan waited for the referee to deal with the stormy protests before calmly sending the GK the wrong way to complete Merpro's second comeback of the match to make it 4-3 in the 90th minute.
Merpro saw out the remaining injury time to secure a spirited victory in a dramatic roller coaster of a match.
Team:Findlay,Murdoch,N.Duff,Bruce,A.Duff,Lownie,E.Duff(Duncan),C.Allan,Graham,Whitworth,Greig,Sub:Gall.



Bank Street Athletic 2 v 1 Merpro
Fosters Scottish Amateur Cup 2nd Round
Saturday 15/10/11

Merpro travelled to Dundee on Fosters Scottish Cup duty to face the current Midlands Premier League Champions Bank Street Athletic.
BSA are the top side in Midlands football at present and with several regulars still missing making their way home from Scotland duty in Spain a difficult match was anticipated.
The Merpro squad however responded well and were eventually edged out after a tight and tense match over the 90 minutes.
Bank Street started confidently and kept Merpro pinned back in the early stages.
Merpro had several changes in the side and were taking time to settle and the early stages were mainly focussed upon keeping BSA at bay.
Gourlay came close for BSA with a cross shot glancing off the bar in 8 minutes.
BSA went ahead when a long throw from Godfrey was glanced into the net by Walker to make it 1-0 after 14 minutes.
Walker came close shortly after following pouncing on a loose defensive pass but shot wide as he ran in on goal in 22 minutes.
Merpro finally began to settle and started to get some midfield foothold in the match as the half progressed and their confidence began to increase.
Merpro's reward for some stout defensive work keeping them in the game arrived when  Cruickshank broke from midfield latching onto a Bruce pass.He cleverly drew  the defence out wide before passing inside for Euan Duff to run in on goal and blast a ferocious drive into the net from 12 yards for the equaliser in 40 minutes.
Merpro had another opportunity a few minutes later when Duff appeared to be fouled on the edge of the box. However play was allowed to carry on with Duncan collecting a Houston cross pass but he was forced back away from goal but then managed to chip a cross ball back across the goal but was just too high for the onrushing Cruickshank to connect.
BSA had the final moment in the half when Gourlay drifted in at the back post but clipped his effort over the bar from 8 yards to make it 1-1 at half time.
Merpro had the first opening of the second half when Euan Duff closed down and disposessed  his opponent with a strong tackle.He then ran in on goal before passing inside for Bruce who had supported  to fire in a low left foot shot at goal. His effort evaded the GK but was cleared off the line with a last gasp sliding clearance by the covering defender Bell in 52 minutes.
Merpro had another opportunity but Craig Allan fired an edge of the box free kick over the bar in 56 minutes.
Merpro were now enjoying their best spell of the match and persistent play from Euan Duff created another good opportunity.
Duff won an aerial cross ball challenge with the BSA GK on the edge of the box. He then laid off a pass releasing Cruickshank to run in on goal but he elected to cut the ball back for Duff to shoot but he was unable to force the ball into the net from 5 yards due to covering defensive pressure and the opening was thwarted in 64 minutes.
BSA began to resettle and forced a series of corner kicks but good Merpro defensive cover were keeping  them at bay.
However after a period of pressure appeared to have been soaked up BSA made the breakthrough to take the lead.
A breakaway attack led to a scramble in the Merpro goalmouth as players found it difficult to keep their footing with the ball being cleared twice off the line. Merpro appeared to have held out but the the eventual clearance fell for Bradford on the right wing to collect and run in and drill in a powerful 16 yard drive in off the near post to make it 2-1 in the 70th minute.
Findlay who had been largely well covered by the Merpro defence then had to make couple of outstanding saves from fierce shots from ex Montrose FC striker Gary Middleton.
The game began to open up in the latter stages with Houston having an edge of the box shot well saved after a good lay off from Duff in 82 minutes.
Merpro had a final gilt edged chance when good pressure play from Bruce won him the ball from Bell on the left touchline. He then ran in on goal slipping a low pass into the goalmouth for Sellar but he agonisingly fired his effort over the bar from 5 yards in the 88th minute.
Merpro's reshaped defence can take great credit for this spirited performance keeping a good side at bay. After a nervous opening period in the first half they managed to settle and compose themselves eventually established a stronghold and carved out some good openings later in the match to make this a close run result in the end.
Team:Findlay,Brown,N.Duff,Bruce,A.Duff,Lownie,Duncan(Sellar),C.Allan,E.Duff,Cruickshank,Houston, Subs:Donaldson,Murdoch,Pert.


Portcullis 1 v 3 Merpro
North of Tay Cup
Saturday 8/10/11

Merpro travelled through to Arbroath for a coastal derby match returning home with a comfortable victory under their belts to maintain their recent set of good results.
Merpro made several changes in their side and formation as a result of injuries and players away on Scotland supporting duties.
The Montrose side started the match well immediately pressurising their opponents with Cruickshank and Craig Allan combining well to create a chance cleared for a corner kick in the first minute.
Merpro pressure continued with Lownie cross shot deflected wide for another corner in the 3rd minute.
Cruickshank was next to threaten after picking up a deft Bruce clipped pass in behind the defence but he lifted his shot just over the bar from 16 yards in 5 minutes.
Whitworth burst through driving into the box but was brought down with a clearing tackle from behind amidst penalty claims in 10 minutes.
A few minutes later further penalty claims were denied when it appeared Bruce was pushed off the ball in the box.
Another opening was created following a good move involving Ally Duff and Cruickshank setting up Craig Allan but he fired his left foot effort over the bar in 22 minutes.
Portcullis had done well to keep Merpro at bay but the pressure eventually paid off when Sean Whitworth collected a Houston pass and his first touch set himself up to fire in a ferocious 20 yard drive in the net to make it 1-0 in 25 minutes.
Lownie was next to come close firstly firing in a rising shot over the bar in 30 minutes and shortly after had a header saved by the GK Broomhill following a free kick in 35 minutes.
Portcullis although competing well rarely threatened but were given a lifeline when a mix up with an attempted cushioned back header allowed Triggs in to score an easy goal in 42 minutes.
Merpro immediately started the second half maintaining the pressure and Craig Allan had a 20'yard free kick saved by the GK in 46 minutes.
Bruce then had a close range shot saved by the keeper after good combination passing with with Lownie in 48 minutes.
Bruce again came close when he picked up a Whitworth lay off to fire in a curling 20 yard shot which came back off the bar in 50 minutes.
Merpro's pressure paid off when a Whitworth downward header from a corner kick was cleared off the line but Gordon Houston was alert to fire into the net from 5 yards to make it 2-1 in 52 minutes.
Merpro were now well on top with the GK making an excellent save from a driven Craig Allan corner kick in 55 minutes.
Ally Duff had a header cleared off the line following another corner kick shortly after.
Cruickshank was next to create a good chance making a determined run on the left flank crossing for Brown at the back post but hit his first time effort over the bar from 15 yards in 75 minutes.
Portcullis continued to compete well in midfield but GK Findlay was rarely troubled as his defence kept the Arbroath side at bay.
Merpro finally went further ahead when Graeme Allan clipped a long pass over the defence for his brother Craig to run onto pressurising the defence into a clearance.The ball fell for the supporting Paul Duncan to promptly fire in a controlled low left foot 16 yard shot into the net in 78 minutes to make it 3-1.
Shortly afterwards following a Bruce throw in Cruickshank set up Craig Allan but he fired over the bar in 80 minutes.
Portcullis then enjoyed a spell of late pressure but the Merpro defence held firm.
Merpro moved into the last 32 of the North of Tay Cup with this victory.
Team:Findlay,A.Duff,N.Duff,Lownie,Whitworth(Duncan),G.Allan,Murdoch(Brown),C.Allan, Cruickshank,Bruce,Houston


Riverside Athletic 1 v 3 Merpro
Premier League
Saturday 01/10/11

Merpro returned from Dundee on Saturday with their first Premier league win of the season.
Riverside have been the Midlands top side of the past 15 years and this is a notable victory for the Montrose side.
Merpro went into this match with two succesive Cup tie wins under their belt but needing to kick-start their leg campaign.
Riverside started well applying early pressure but gradually Merpro began to settle playing some tidy football.
Merpro went ahead when Greig chased down a defender blocking his clearance and then ran in on goal passing inside for Scott Graham to slot past the goal keeper from 8 yards in 9 minutes.
Merpro had another great opportunity to go further ahead when Pert chased down the GK forcing him into a loose clearance falling for Houston to run in on goal passing inside for Graham but he dallied on the ball with a defender getting back to clear. Craig Alan then picked up the ball ran at the defence crossing for Graham to have a second chance but he mistimed his low diving header resulting in a clearance away from goal in 12 minutes.
Riverside settled and then had a spell of dominance and Findlay had to make a couple of good saves in close succession to maintain the Merpro lead.
Riverside however soon equalised with a headed goal from 8 yards from a corner kick in 26 minutes.
Riverside came close again a few minutes later with an edge of the box shot going just wide.
Merpro resettled and Greig did well breaking on the right and then firing in a 22 yard shot well saved by the GK in 35 minutes.
Houston was next to fire in an edge of the box shot after collecting a corner kick clearance in 38 minutes.
Merpro's pressure paid off when Nicol Duff floated in a free kick with the ball falling for Sean Whitworth to compose himself and hold off a defender to rifle in a low shot from 10 yards to make it 2-1 in 40 minutes.
Merpro had another effort come close when Whitworth curled in a long free kick with Craig Allan almost getting a touch at the back post in the 43rd minute.
Riverside came roaring out at the start of the second half keeping Merpro pinned back.
Findlay made a good blocking save as an attacker broke through with the Merpro defenders claiming for offside in 52 minutes.
Riverside came close again with Findlay making another fine instinctive save from a blistering low edge of the box free kick in 55 minutes.
Merpro continued under the cosh attempting to hit on the break but the final composed pass kept eluding them.
Graham finally managed to break through on the right flank but his cross for the waiting Greig was intercepted by the GK in 60 minutes.
Merpro had another great chance when Craig Allan broke through from midfield but after shimmying past his first marker and then shrugging off another defender slipped with his left foot effort going just wide in 62 minutes.
Merpro were now enjoying some possession and Euan Duff had an opportunity but fired wide from 12 yards in 65 minutes.
The Merpro defence were coping well with the Riverside attacks allowing the Montrose side to get forward. Graham then did well cutting inside off his markers before firing a quick shot agonisingly just over the bar in 75 minutes.
The game was now end to end and Riverside came close with a glancing header going over the bar in 82 minutes.
Merpro went back up the park with a good quick passing move arriving for Euan Duff on the left to cut back inside and slip a low pass across the face of goal for Scott Graham to calmly slot into the net with his left foot from 10 yards to make it 3-1 in 83 minutes.
Merpro had another good chance when Pert made a breaking run from midfield but fired his 10 yard shot straight at the GK in 85 minutes.
The drama continued when Merpro were reduced to 10 men when Pert was sent off a few minutes later for a second bookable offence.
Merpro had a final gilt edged opportunity after Euan Duff won a midfield tackle slipping a perfect pass through for Graham to run in on goal unopposed but as he attempted to round the GK he was blocked and the keeper managed to collect the ball in extended injury time.
This was a good spirited performance from Merpro with the defence doing well to prevent a second half fightback from Riverside before the clinching goal sealed a historic victory.
Team:Findlay,A.Duff,N.Duff,Lownie(E.Duff)Whitworth,G.Allan,Pert,C.Allan,Graham,Greig,Houston, Subs:Brown,Murdoch.


Vale of Earn 1 v 3 Merpro
Fosters Scottish Cup 1st round
Saturday 24th September 2011

Merpro travelled through to Crieff on Saturday in Scottish Cup duty and came back on their travels with a fine win under their belts.
Merpro have found some fruitful pickings with their opponents from Perthshire in the cup competitions over the past couple of weeks.
Vale of Earn have a good recent pedigree having won the prestigious North of Tay Cup at Dens Park a couple of seasons ago.
On a fine sunny day both sides served up a close match until the latter stages as Merpro came from behind with a build up of second half pressure to clinch the victory.
Vale of Earn started the match well and came close when a Brock header from a long throw came back off the bar in 2 minutes.
Findlay made an excellent low save from another back post header in 8 minutes.
Merpro began to settle and forced a couple of edge of the box free kicks without troubling the GK.
Houston then floated in a cross and Sellar's header from 10 yards was glanced wide in 15 minutes.
Craig Allan then had an edge of the box free kick well saved by the keeper in 24 minutes.
The match had began to settle with neither side gaining any dominance.
Findlay then had to make another good save from a header from the dangerous midfielder Brock in 30 minutes.
Merpro  created a good opening when Cruickshank played a composed pass in behind the defence for Craig Allan to almost latch onto in the 34th minute.
Merpro created another good opening when Graham ran through on the left flank but as he drew out the defence his attempted cross for Sellar unmarked in the box sailed into the GK's arms in 36 minutes.
The home side went ahead with a stunning goal when Brock won a midfield tackle ran at goal and fired in a stunning 25 yard Stoke into the top of the net in 38 minutes.
Merpro came back and Sellar had a header go over the bar following an Allan corner kick in 40 minutes.
Graham was next to make a good run down the right flank firing in a low shot parried by the keeper and cleared to safety in 42 minutes.
Merpro then had their best opportunity of the half when Graham set up Sellar to run in on goal on his own but his attempted effort was saved by the GK in the 44th minute.
Merpro started the second half well with Cruickshank slipping a subtle short pass through for Sellar to run onto but the alert keeper did well to block his effort in the 46th minute.
Merpro had upped their tempo looking for the equaliser and were gaining more possesion forcing their opponents back but were finding it difficult to find the clinical final pass.
Vale were continuing to be dangerous hitting Merpro on the break and Brock hit the post with a cross shot in 55 minutes.
Nicol Duff made an excellent pressurising challenge forcing an attacker to shoot over the bar in 72 minutes.
Merpro gradual build up of pressure began to intensify and finally paid dividends.
Alasdair Duff was brought down on the edge of the box and Scott Graham stepped up to expertly curl a low 18 yard shot round the wall hitting off the post into the net in 75 minutes.
Merpro were now on top and Graham set up Greig and right wing low cross into the box was almost deflected into the net in 78 minutes.
Graham then collected a corner kick clearance and came close with a swerving 18 yard shot going just wide in 80 minutes.
Merpro went further ahead when Alasdair Duff made a trademark storming run from defence bursting past several defenders before firing in a thunderous 16 yard shot high into the net setting off joyous celebrations in 85 minutes.
Merpro hit their opponents with another quick blow when Rhys Greig did well playing some tight passes in the box before deftly chipping the ball over the GK from 15 yards in 87 minutes.
The home side kept pushing forward leaving some space open and Merpro came close in injury time when Murdoch helped set up Bruce to run in on goal but his left foot effort just went over the bar to finish off the match.
A good victory with the match in the balance for most of the game  but a strong finish from the Montrose side earned them the victory.
Team:Findlay,Brown(Greig),N.Duff,Lownie,A.Duff,G.Allan,Cruickshank(Bruce),C.Allan,Graham,Sellar(Murdoch),Houston.


Merpro 10 v 0 Star of Atholl
North of Tay Cup 1st round
Saturday 17/9/11

Merpro hit the goal trail with an overwhelming victory over their Perthshire visitors from Blair Atholl on Saturday in the North of Tay Cup.
The match started off in calm sunshine but conditions deteriorated into torrential rain as the match progressed.
Merpro started well and Whitworth came close to opening the scoring when his header hit the bar from a Craig Allan cross in 5 minutes.
Lownie was next to come close with another header just going wide in 8 minutes.
Merpro were not to be denied and hit Star with a quick fire 10 minute treble deluge of goals.
Scott Graham opened the scoring after a trademark dribbling run down the left flank before cutting inside to fire under the GK to make it 1-0 in 15 minutes.
Graham then pounced on a defensive mistake a couple of minutes later to run through on goal slipping the ball under the advancing keeper from 16 yards to make it 2-0.
Graham almost made it a quick fire hat trick latching onto a Graeme Allan pass but the defenders managed to get back and block in 20 minutes.
However Merpro soon went further ahead following a corner kick challenge by Whitworth fell for Scott Graham in the box to quickly sent in a drilled snap shot on the turn into the net  from 10 yards to complete his hat trick in 25 minutes.
Atholl were reeling and Cruickshank had a good opportunity well saved by the GK in 27 minutes.
Craig Allan was next to come close with an edge of the box shot going wide.
Atholl started to settle as the Merpro onslaught lessened and Findlay made a low save from a 25 yard shot in 30 minutes.
The Perthshire side had a spell of pressure but failed to create any significant chances.
Merpro came back with some late chances when Euan Duff headed over the bar,Graham was denied with a last ditch tackle and in the final minute of the half Houston fired wide.
Merpro quickly resumed on the attack into the second half and Bruce cut in from the right flank and hit a left foot shot just wide in 55 minutes.
Merpro soon went further ahead when Darren Cruickshank fired in an acrobatic volley high into the net from 18 yards following a corner kick clearance to the edge of the box in 58 minutes.
The floodgates literally now opened as Merpro continued to consolidate their superiority with a further flurry of well worked goals.
Scott Graham went on a mazy run to make it a personal tally of 4 goals to make it 5-0 in 62 minutes.
Euan Duff was next to score opening his account with a close range effort in 65 minutes.
Duff added his second goal a few minutes later after some good lead up passing moves to make it 7-0.
The busy GK made two excellent diving saves from Cruickshank and Graham to deny further goals.
Merpro were now running rampant and went further ahead when Graham and Euan Duff combined well for Duff to fire home from 10 yards to complete his hat trick in 75 minutes.
Merpro continued to attack and soon went further ahead when Dean Sellar combined with Graham to fire home in 82 minutes to make it 9-0.
As the match drew to a close Sellar completed his double firing home at the back post from a Graham low cross across the face of the goal in the 88th minute to make it an amazing 10-0.
Some pleasing performances throughout the match and early clinical finishing paved the way for an emphatic victory and advance Merpro into the next round.
Team:Findlay,Pert(Bruce),N.Duff,Lownie,Whitworth,G.Allan,Cruickshank,C.Allan,Graham,E.Duff(Sellar),Houston(Greig). Subs:Brown,Murdoch.
Match Sponsor R.Coull and Son.
Next match: v Vale of Earn(a) Fosters Scottish Cup 1st Round.



Tayside Fire Brigade 2 v 0 Merpro
Premier League
Saturday 10/9/11
Merpro visited The Fire Brigade in Dundee on Saturday but in an even match were unable to come back home with a share of the points.
With the match looking to be heading for a draw The Firies were able to make the breakthrough capitalising on a slip and clinching the game with a late goal as Merpro pushed for the equaliser.
Findlay was the first GK to be called into action saving comfortably from a 22 yard free kick in 4 minutes.
Merpro began to settle and Milne set up Bruce to run in on goal but the TFB MIdlands Select custodian MIllar saved well to deny the goal in 12 minutes.
Merpro had another good move resulting in Houston firing in a cross but again the GK MIllar handled well under pressure in 14 minutes.
Whitworth then had a 25 yard free kick go wide in 17 minutes.
Merpro had further pressure with a Bruce corner kick coming to Brown at the back post but his knock down header was cleared to safety in 22 minutes.
Whitworth then had another free kick comfortably saved by the GK in 26 minutes.
Cruickshank then looked to have broken through but he was given offside in 30 minutes.
Merpro then had a great opportunity following a quick passing move involving Cruickshank and Euan Duff who drove past his marker to sling in a low cross for the onrushing Whitworth to fire in a low shot from 18 yards but his goal bound effort was blocked in front of goal to safety in 36 minutes.
In the closing minute of the first half Findlay had to make a reactive save to tip over the bar from a close range effort.
Half time arrived with Merpro having had better of the play.
Merpro opened the second half well with Bruce making a good run and shot hitting unfortunately off Duff in 46 minutes.
Houston then sent in a diagonal pass for Bruce to run in on goal and head goal wards but his effort came back off the post in 50 minutes.
The Fire Brigade began to hit back and they then had an effort come back off the top of the bar in 54 minutes.
Merpro looked to have made the opening when Brown latched onto a ball in midfield advancing forward firing in a 25 yard swerving shot but GK MIllar made an excellent diving save in 56 minutes.
Duff then had a snap shot from 12 yards saved by the keeper after a long throw into the box from Bruce in 58 minutes.
Bruce then had a good dribbling run but his left foot effort from 18 yards was comfortably saved by the keeper in 62 minutes.
Merpro were rocked when TFB went ahead against the run of play.
A cross from the right wing came in and GK Findlay picked the ball out from the air but on landing the ball squirmed out of his grasp as he collided with players with the ball falling for an attacker to shoot into the net from 10 yards in 65 minutes.
TFB now had a good spell of pressure culminating with a long range effort hitting the top of the bar in 70 minutes.
The Firies went further ahead with a breakaway goal as Merpro pushed players forward in the closing stages.
Milne had a Couple of efforts go wide in the last few minutes as the game came to a close.
A disappointing result as Merpro played competently well enough within themselves without hitting full form and at the least deserved a share of the spoils.
Team:Findlay,Pert,Houston,Lownie,Whitworth,G.Allan,Bruce(Murdoch),Milne,E.Duff,Cruickshank,Brown, Sub:Gall.
Next Match; North of Tay 1st round v Star of Atholl(h) 2pm ko.


Merpro 1 v 6 Menzieshill
Premier League
Saturday 3/9/11

Merpro continued in Premier League action on Saturday but in a groundhog day type performance again came short after a second half defensive collapse to allow a match in their grasp to slip away.
Merpro started well playing some good football and keeping their opponents pegged back.
Craig Allan came close with a edge of the box free kick with the GK tipping his shot over the bar in 15 minutes.
Sellar was next to come close with a glancing header just going wide in 18 minutes.
Merpro's opening  dominance almost came to fruition when from an Allan corner kick Whitworth's 8 yard header was brilliantly tipped away by GK Palladini  as a goal seemed inevitable in 24 minutes.
Merpro had to defend themselves shortly after when Bruce cleared off the line following a near post flick from a Menzieshill corner kick in 26 minutes.
Merpro continued to enjoy most of the possession and finally managed to make the opening breakthrough.
Whitworth sent forward a long free kick falling for Sellar to control well and run past his marker. He slipped a low shot across the face of goal past the keeper and as the ball looked to cross the line Craig Allan following up tapped in to make sure to make it 1-0 in 44 minutes.
Merpro looked the likelier side at this time to go on and dominate the match.
However following the break Merpro allowed their opponents back into the match with some slack defending.
Menzieshill equalised after a corner kick was conceded and only partially cleared allowing a snap shot to score after 48 minutes.
Menzieieshill quickly capitalised when an edge of the box free kick was crossed to the back post and hesitant defending allowed an attacker to creep in between two players to tap in and score to take an unlikely lead after 50 minutes.
Menzieshill were now fired up and Gall did well to tip away a long range shot in 56 minutes.
Merpro's frustration boiled over when Menzieshill went further ahead with a long ball going over the defence with offside looking obvious the player was allowed to go through and score in 66 minutes.
Shortly after another similar situation developed and again with offside being denied Menzieshill took advantage to go further ahead in 72 minutes.
Merpro attempted to regroup and Brown and Whitworth attempted to force home from close range following a corner kick.
Sellar managed to run in on goal and fire in a low shot which came back off the post in 76 minutes.
Milne was next come close with the GK doing well to save his close range header a couple of minutes later.
Merpro's frustration continued when Euan Duff ran in on goal but his  low shot just went wide in 80 minutes.
Menzieshill went further ahead when a low shot took a deflection off a defender to spin into the net in 82 minutes.
Merpro created another opening following a good run by Duff allowing Murdoch to attempt to curl a 12 yard shot at goal but the keeper save comfortably in 85 minutes.
Whitworth was left frustrated as he head flicked a throw onto the back post with no takers waiting for the tap in.
Menzieshill completed the scoring in the final minute with an edge of the box shot tucked into the corner of the net.
Another frustrating match as Merpro's first half performance was good but  a combination of defensive errors and some controversial offside decisions allowed Menzieshill to seal what looked an unlikely win at half time.
Team : Gall,Pert(Lownie),Brown,C.Allan,Whitworth,G.Allan,Duncan(Murdoch),Milne,E.Duff,Bruce,Sellar, Sub: Doyle

Merpro 0 v 5 NCR
Premier League
Wednesday 31/8/11

Merpro welcomed NCR for a midweek Premier League fixture to Montrose.
However after a strong second half performance the Dundee side returned home with a comprehensive win under their belts.
NCR opened stronger and had a couple of close efforts before Merpro began to settle and created some openings.
Graham played a return pass with Greig but a well timed tackle prevented his shot at goal in 22 minutes.
Graham and Sellar combined well leaving Bruce with an opening but he pulled his shot wide in 25 minutes.
Another good move let Graham in on goal but he was unable to connect fully with his left foot shot from 12 yards and the GK saved comfortably in 28 minutes.
Merpro were now enjoying some dominance and came close when Sellar rose well to head over the bar from 8 yards from an Allan corner kick in 30minutes.
Sellar did well a few minutes later picking up a pass and quickly turning fired in a spectacular first time 25 yard shot which was brilliantly finger tipped saved by the fully stretched GK onto the bar and cleared to safety in the 35th minute.
Merpro had another opportunity when a good move allowed Bruce to move in on goal from the right flank but his attempted chipped effort was safely collected by the keeper in 40 minutes.
NCR went ahead after being awarded a disputed free kick on the edge of the box.
From the resultant free kick cross an attacker was given some space to head into the net just as half time approached to open the scoring.
Both sides had had spells of dominance and this was a blow for the home side.
NCR opened strongly and Greig did well to clear off the line following a header from a corne kick in 50 minutes.
Merpro replied quickly and Sellar came close with a shot deflected wide in 52 minutes.
NCR began to take control of the match and went further ahead with a glancing header in 60 minutes and followed up quickly with a third goal to leave Merpro reeling.
NCR were now rampant and pressurising Merpro and went further ahead when a short pass back was cleared by GK Findlay rebounding off the attackers outstretched arm allowing him to control to score in 75 minutes despite the home sides protests.
NCR continued to press and shortly after came close with a shot hitting the bar with Donaldson doing well to calmly head safely back into Findlay's arms to clear up in 80 minutes.
NCR completed the scoring in the final minutes to seal a deserved win after a dominant second half performance.
Team:Findlay,Pert,N.Duff(Donaldson),C.Allan,Whitworth,G.Allan,Bruce(E.Duff),Graham,Sellar(Duncan) Subs : Lownie,Murdoch.
Match Sponsor : RK Tool Hire


NCR 4 v 0 Merpro
Marquee Trophy
Saturday 20/8/11
Merpro travelled through to the Caird Park Stadium to complete their League Cup section in a match NCR had to win for any possibility of qualifying.
Merpro made several changes to their side as suspensions came into force but on a sunny hot day found the factory side to hot to handle.
NCR ran out worthy winners as Merpro found it difficult to lift their game and gain any cohesion.
NCR started well and Bruce did well to clear off the goal line from a corner kick after 8 minutes.
A few minutes later Donaldson repeated with a goal line clearance but the rebound was quickly despatched from 5 yards to make it 1-0 after 10 minutes.
Lowing was next to make a good defensive block and clearance to deny a goalscoring opportunity after a NCR break through in 12 minutes.
NCR went further ahead with a long ball over the top allowing the left winger to run through and slot past Gall to make it 2-0 after 15 minutes.
G.Allan tried to galvanise Merpro with a trademark run from defence breaking through but was unable to find the final pass to create the opening in 20 minutes.
Brown came close with a glancing header from a Duncan corner kick in 25 minutes.
Merpro attempts to get back into the match were set back when NCR went further ahead with an attacker breaking through to slip a sliding shot into the net past the on rushing Gall from 18 yards to ake it 3-0 at half time.
Merpro performance showed some signs of improvement in the second half and began to play more in their opponents half.
Whitworth had a rising shot go over the bar in 50 minutes.
Sellar picked up a Duncan through pass but good defending steered him wide and blocked his shot at goal in 52 minutes.
From the resultant Duncan corner kick Whitworth's goal bound header was cleared off the line to safety.
Merpro created another chance when Whitworth flicked a header on or Sellar to run through on goal but again strong defending thwarted his opening in 56 minutes.
Sellar was trying hard to open Merpro's account and came close again with a glancing close range header from a Duncan cross in 60 minutes.
Merpro were now having their best spell of the match and Pert did well to break through and fire in a shot just wide in 65 minutes.
Merpro thought they had made the breakthrough when Murdoch showed a good touch collecting a free kick in the box and slipped the ball from 6 yards into the net but was unfortunate to be given offside as he had timed his run well in 80 minutes.
NCR completed the match with a well taken goal in the final minutes.
Team:Gall,Pert(Murdoch),Donaldson,Brown,Lownie,G.Allan,Duncan,Cruickshank,Sellar(Findlay),Sellar(Findlay),Whitworth(E.Duff),Bruce.Sub:Graham


Merpro 3 v 4 Menzieshill
Marquee Trophy
Wed 17/8/11

Merpro were involved in midweek Marquee Trophy action and although defeated played some excellent football throughout the match. Both sides can take credit from an open exciting game but ultimately Merpro were left to rue losing the match after allowing their opponents back into the tie on several occasions. Merpro were given a lesson in efficient clinical finishing by their opponents who made the most of their chances.
Merpro got off to a perfect start when Greig collected the ball on the edge of the box and calmly lifted the ball over the defence for Craig Allan to skilfully collect and calmly round the GK to score after 3 minutes.
Donaldson then created a good opening for E.Duff but he fired his effort over the bar in 8 minutes.
Cruickshank then collected a C.Allan through pass to burst past 3 defenders drawing out the keeper but his deft chip from 16 yards just sailed over the bar in 10 minutes.
Merpro were well on top but Menzieshill came back into the match with a fortuitous goal on a breakaway when an initial shot was hit wide but the ball fell for an idle player to quickly despatch for the equaliser in 12 minutes.
Findlay then had to make two good saves as Menzieshill enjoyed their first spell of pressure in the match.
Merpro regrouped and regained their control with E.Duff and  Cruickshank combining well only for the latter's shot to be blocked.
However Merpro soon went ahead with a superb goal of the season contender after a quick fire passing move from midfield. Greig,E.Duff,Cruickshank combined for Graham to lift a perfect lob pass over the defence for the onrushing Rhys Greig to make a defence splitting run in behind the defence take a touch and fire in a low drive from 16 yards to make it 2-1 in 25 minutes.
Merpro should have extended their lead when Graham dribbled past his opponent to run in goal but the GK saved his effort with the rebound falling for E.Duff but he had his rising shot tipped over the bar in 27 minutes.
Menzieshill made the most of their let off and went up the park with a left wing run and cross for  a glanced header to finish high into the net from 15 yards in 28 minutes.
Whitworth was next to test the GK with a well hit 25 yard free kick in 36 minutes.
Merpro had another opportunity when following a corner kick the ball fell for E.Duff but he directed his shot over the bar in 40 minutes.
Menzieshill repeated their earlier gratitude by again breaking up the left wing and following some quick inter passing fired in a ferocious angled 18 yard shot into the net to make it 3-2 at the break.
Menzieshill started quickly in the second half and only a hood block by Donaldson prevented a goal in 46 minutes.
Merpro soon regained their composure and equalised when Euan Duff made a storming run down the right flank before firing in a shot which was blocked but came straight back to him and he promptly drilled in a low shot under the keeper from 8 yards to make it 3-3 in 50 minutes.
Merpro continued on top and Cruickshank and Graham combined well setting up a far post cross for Sellar but his glancing header went wide from 8 yards in 52 minutes.
E.Duff was next to test out the keeper firing in a low shot following a Sellar lay off on the edge of the box in 55 minutes.
Menzieshill repeated their groundhog day tactics with another goal out of the blue when a cross from the left wing fell at the back post handsome indecisive defending allowed the right winger to run in score an easy tap in after 60 minutes.
Merpro lost some of their earlier composure but kept plugging away and created yet another good opening when E Duff fired in 16 yard shot which came back off the bar only to fall for Graham running in but with the goal gaping he could only agonisingly direct his 6 yard header over the bar in 74 minutes.
Merpro set up another opening when Cruickshank made a great run in on goal but passed for C.Allan who in turn set up Duncan but his effort went harmlessly over the goal in 80 minutes.
Merpro profligacy in front of goal continued to haunt them when another good opportunity went a begging after C.Allan clipped in a cross for Whitworth's effort to be blocked falling for Sellar but his close range header was saved in the 88th minute.
Menzieshill survived and despite a some excellent football Merpro were left pointless and lost the chance to progress further and left to reflect upon lapses in breakaway defending and missing a host of golden chances.
Team:Findlay,N.Duff(Brown),Donaldson,C.Allan,Whitworth,G.Allan,Greig,Cruickshank,Graham(Duncan),E.Duff(Pithie),Sellar. Subs: Gall,Lownie.
Match Sponsor:R Coull & Son.

Merpro 3 v 5 SS Peter & Paul
Saturday 13 August 2011
Marquee Trophy League Cup

Merpro opened their new Midlands season with a visit from SSPP in a Premier League Marquee Trophy tie on Saturday.SSPP have been one of the leading sides in Midlands football for many years and a stern test was expected.
Merpro initially responded well to the test but unfortunately as a result of some inexplicable officiating the Montrose side were left feeling extremely frustrated and exasperated at the finale.
SSPP started the match the brighter and Findlay did well to calmly collect a curling early free kick across the face of the goalmouth.
SSPP were determined in their approach and some robust tackling went unpunished in the early stages by the official.
Merpro slowly began to settle and following a good passing move involving Pert and  Greig led  to a cross from Euan Duff allowing Sellar to drift in behind the defence to slot home from 10 yards but unfortunately he was given offside in 8 minutes.
Whitworth was next to come close with a snap shot but the GK was able to make a juggling save following a Nicol Duff long free kick in 10 minutes.
Merpro had now settled and signs of the familiar midfield passing interplay began to develop leading to the opening goal. Greig and Euan Duff combined setting up Sellar to swing in a cross for the onrushing midfield run from Craig Allan to volley into the net from 12 yards to make it 1-0 in 15 minutes.
Merpro almost made it a quick fire double when Sellar was set up to run through on goal on his own but the GK managed to save with his leg to prevent a second goal in 17 minutes.
SSPP hit back immediately when Merpro lost possession in midfield and and Heenan broke through to fire in a 20 yard shot. Findlay saved but was unable to hold with the rebound falling for Scott to pounce and fire into the net in 18 minutes.
Both sides were now well into the match playing some good passing football and testing each other.
Merpro were the side to break the deadlock when Craig Allan lofted a pass over the defence for Dean Sellar to run through and calmly lob over the on rushing keeper from 18 yards to make it 2-1 in 32 minutes.
Merpro then began to gain more control but almost lost a goal on a breakaway attack when Heenan broke past couple of tackles and fired in a 20 yard shot which came back off the bar in 38 minutes.
Merpro started the second half well and created another gilt edged chance to extend their lead.
Graham did well drifting past Coogan on the wing and then driving into the box slipped in a low cross for Euan Duff but from 8 yards out he was unable to find the clinical finish and the defenders managed to clear to safety in 52 minutes.
Merpro continued to press and looked likely to add to their tally.
Whitworth had an edge of the box free kick go over the bar in 55 minutes.
However the game exploded into an incredulous moment when Graeme Allan was called over by the match official after querying why the SSPP defensive free kick wall was not the regulation 10 yards distance. The Referee deemed abusive language had been used and to everyone's amazement sent off the Merpro player. In the context of some of the previous tackles and industrial language perpetrated by the opposition throughout the match this was an exasperating decision and turned the match.
SSPP who had began to look ruffled were now galvanised and only a strong challenge from Pert prevented an equaliser in 60 minutes.
Merpro hit back on the break a few minutes later with Sellar creating himself a chance.
However SSPP began to dominate and equalised when a left wing cross failed to be cleared and winger Malone knocked into the net from close range to make it 2-2 in 65 minutes.
SSPP were now sensing victory and went ahead in 70 minutes with a header from Centre Half Hay following a corner kick.
Findlay then had to make a close range collision save with Malone in 74 minutes to deny another opportunity.
Merpro managed to regroup and Brown had an opportunity out jumping the defence to glance a header wide from a Nicol Duff free kick in 76 minutes.
Merpro stunned their opponents with an equalising goal when Scott Graham did extremely well to drift between two defenders to collect a high Greig cross ball and step sideways to calmly drill in a low shot from 14 yards to make it 3-3 in 80 minutes.
SSPP quickly broke forward and Findlay had to make an excellent diving tip save over the bar from a well hit shot in 82 minutes.
From the resultant corner kick the clearance fell for Hay to react quickest on the edge of the box to drill a shot through the melee into the net to put the visitors into the lead.
Wilson then fired SSPP further into the lead when he latched onto an attempted clearance which fell kindly for him to make it 5-3 in 86 minutes.
Merpro had a final moment when Euan Duff ran at the defence and slipped a pass through for Graham to finish but was given offside in the 88th minute.
Merpro turned in a good performance and until the controversial sending off offence looked to be the stronger side however following this moment the match turned and SSPP made the most of their opportunity.
Team:Findlay,Pert,N.Duff,C.Allan,Whitworth,G.Allan,Greig,Cruickshank(Donaldson),Graham,E.Duff,Sellar(Brown) Subs:Gall,Lownie,Murdoch.
Next match: Marquee Trophy v Menzieshill(h) 17/8/11 6.30pm

Merpro 4 v 1 Morgan FPs
Division 1
Wednesday 11/05/11

Merpro reached another new milestone this week with a midweek victory over Morgan FPs securing promotion to the Midlands Premier league.

Merpro have been pacemakers in Division 1 for most of the season and finally achieved their points total with 4 league games still left to play.
Merpro started the match well and remained on top throughout the match eventually running out convincing winners.
Merpro's first major opportunity arrived after 10 minutes when Euan Duff forced a good save with a close range header following a Craig Allan cross into the box.
Milne set up Duncan to make a good wing run but his dangerous cross was cleared to safety in 14 minutes.
Merpro opening play was rewarded when Cruickshank picked up a pass and drove into the centre of the defence before laying off a pass for Craig Allan to drill in a superb rising shot into the top corner of the net from 20 yards to make it 1-0 in 22 minutes.
Morgan were rarely threatening but Findlay had to look lively saving a low well driven shot with his feet in 30 minutes.
Merpro had another opportunity to go further ahead when the ball fell for Whitworth in the box but his 8 yard header lacked power and the GK made a comfortable save in 36 minutes.
Merpro went further ahead with a fortunate goal created by a moment of perseverance from Paul Duncan who chased down a defender and blocked his clearance for the ball to amazingly sail into the net from edge of the box in 52 minutes to make it 2-0.
Merpro were now well on top and Whitworth's run forward was blocked but the ball fell for Craig Allan but his edge of the box effort was saved by the GK in 56 minutes.
Gourlay was next to storm forward but he was eventually blocked by covering defenders in 58 minutes.
Merpro dominance paid off further when Euan Duff made a good run at goal setting up Craig Allan to drill into the net in 65 minutes to make it 3-0.
Morgan hit back and Gourlay had to make a desperate diving goal line clearance with FPs claiming a penalty for a handling offence in 68 minutes.
Morgan came close a few minutes later when Findlay managed to get the slightest of touches to direct an effort off the bar.
Merpro immediately hit back with Gibbon and Duff combining with the latter sending in a cross across the face of goal but the onrushing Whitworth stretching in front of an open goal could only direct his effort high and over the bar in 72 minutes.
Whitworth had another golden opportunity from a cross ball but directed his 10 yard header away from goal in 75 minutes.

Whitworth was at the centre of the action and again he had another great chance when Allan set him up to run in at goal but the GK was able to parry his effort to safety in 77 minutes.
Whitworth was destined not to score as another headed effort was saved by the GK in 80 minutes.
Morgan came back at Merpro and a loose defensive pass allowed Taylor to run in on goal rounding Findlsy and slotting home in 82 minutes to make it 3-1.
Merpro ensured there was to be no late rally when Jharone Gibbon picked up a return pass from a short corner to run in on goal and drill in a low drive under the GK in 84 minutes to finish the scoring to make it 4-1.
Morgan's resistance was gradually worn down with continous passing and movement and only some lenient finishing prevented a higher scoreline.
Merpro eased into the Premier League and the focus moves onto claiming the Division 1 title.
Team:Findlay,Gourlay,N.Duff,C.Allan,Whitworth,G.Allan,Greig,Milne(Bruce),E.Duff,P.Duncan(Gibbon),Cruickshank(Donaldson).Subs:Graham,Houston.
Match Sponsor: Keano

Merpro 4 v 1 FC Claypotts
Gray Trophy Quarter Final
Saturday 7/5/11
Merpro responded well to their midweek defeat with an improved commanding performance enabling them to cruise into the Gray Trophy semi final. Both sides were involved in a thrilling roller coaster of a close match recently but on this occasion the Montrose side never allowed their opponents into the match and ran out comfortable winners.
Merpro started quickly immediately pressing on Claypotts and had a good opportunity to open the scoring in 4 minutes.
Graham did well and set up Duncan in front of goal but he was unable to finish and his follow up pass to Cruickshank was cleared to safety.
Milne was next to set up Duncan but his effort was quickly blocked in 8 minutes.
Claypotts were finding it difficult to cope with the Merpro midfield's movement and passing.
Whitworth was at the centre having a close range chance and then shortly after being brought down in the box amidst penalty claims in 15 minutes.
GK Seaton was denying the Merpro opener with some good handling and then made a great reaction save from a Cruickshank 8 yard shot after good work from Graham in 25 minutes.
Claypotts made a threatening break for the first time and Gourlay did well to make a covering block tackle in 26 minutes.
Graham then made another good run setting up Duncan but he scuffed his close range left foot shot was cleared to safety in 30 minutes.
Merpro continued on top and Craig Allan came close curling in an 16 yard shot headed clear off the line by Ogilvie in 35 minutes.
Claypotts almost snatched a goal but defensive pressure from Craig Allan forced the effort wide in 38 minutes.
Gourlay then went on a rampaging run from defence crossing into the box but only for Graham to mis kick his 6 yard shot at goal in 43 minutes.
Merpro continued in the same vein in the second half and made ttheir deserved breakthrough with an excellent passing move. Milne picked up the ball in midfield played a return pass with Duncan and then slipped a short ball into Scott Graham's path to run in on goal rounding the GK to slot into the net after 50 minutes.
Duncan then chased down a through pass but the GK made a good challenge to deny him in 52 minutes.
Merpro were now well on top playing some smooth passing football and finally began to emphasise their superiority with a series of goals.
Houston made a wing break crossing into the box for the Craig Alan to rush in and clip a volley into the net from 14 yards to make it 2-0 in 70 minutes.
Merpro went further ahead with a superb shot and finish from Scott Graham firing in a low 18 yard drive in 75 minutes.
Merpro made it 4-0 when Sean Whitworth picked up a Bruce through ball and ran in on goal driving the ball past the GK in 80 minutes.
Whitworth should have increased his tally a few minutes later but fired his shot over the bar.
Claypotts then had the final moment in the last minute with a contentious goal from a corner kick when Henderson was impeded as he collected the ball in mid air and Ogilvie knocked home from close range to make it 4-1.
This was a return to form for Merpro with some excellent passing football at times and eventually the various chances were finished to run out relaxed winners.
Team: Henderson, Gourlay, N.Duff, C.Allan,Whitworth (Findlay), G.Allan, Cruickshank, Milne, Graham, P.Duncan(Bruce), Houston(Gibbon). Subs: E.Duff, Simpson.
Match Sponsor Stuart Robertson.

Merpro 0 v 2 Newport
Wednesday 4/5/11
Division 1
Merpro met with Newport for the first time this season in a midweek fixture with the Fife side emerging victorious.
This was only Merpro's second league defeat of the season but fortunately their title rivals Logie Harp were also losing in Forfar and as a result Merpro remain top of Division 1.
The Fife side were worthy opponents and especially in the first half played some composed passing football.
Newport made an early breakthrough when Merpro failed to clear their lines effectively with the ball falling for Michael Romilly to alertly fire in a snap shot from 8 yards to open the scoring after 5 minutes.
Merpro tried to get back into the match but Newport were keeping possession well and thwarting the home side.
Euan Duff eventually made a breakthrough but after being tugged back on the edge of the box he was unable to get enough power on his shot to trouble the keeper in 21 minutes.
Craig Allan came close with a free kick which missed all players and sailed just past the back post in 21 minutes.
Graham then had a powerful run slipping past a couple of defenders before firing in a low 16 yard shot which went narrowly past the post in 26 minutes.
Merpro were now obtaining more possession and had a series of efforts from Whitworth and Allan without managing to open their account.
Newport came close with a well hit shot rising over the bar on a breakaway attack in 38 minutes.
Graeme Allan was alert to clear in front of the Merpro goal after long cross ball ball was dropped in 40 minutes.
Merpro had another close effort when Craig Allan's near post flick came back off the outside of the post from a Bruce long throw in after 42 minutes.
Merpro created another good opening when Euan Duff made a good wing run crossing for Graham but he snatched his effort and was cleared to safety in 44 minutes.
Merpro opened the second half well putting pressure on Newport but initially unable to create any clear cut openings.
However as the pressure built only a good defensive block prevented Graham from finding the net in 55 minutes.
Merpro created another chance when a Graham cross went across the face of goal but Whitworth was unable to steer the ball into the net in 56 minutes.
Craig Allan was next with a curled shot but the GK made a good save in 58 minutes.
Newport had rarely threatened in the second half but Henderson had to be alert to save a snap shot on the turn from David Romilly in 62 minutes.
Newport went further ahead a few minutes later when a corner kick near post clearance was sliced into the box for Michael Romilly to quickly despatch from 6 yards to make it 2-0.
Merpro attempted to get back into the match and Whitworth headed over the bar from a corner kick in 68 minutes.
Merpro came close again when first Euan Duff had an effort blocked and Graham's follow up shot was also well defended to safety in 70 minutes.
Merpro were now keeping Newport pegged back and Gourlay was mounting a personal attack on the Fifers goal. Firstly he headed agonisingly over the bar from 8 yards from an Allan corner kick in 72 minutes. Next he made a good run at goal before firing in a left foot shot held by the GK in 76 minutes. Finally he then had another effort go over the bar from close range following a good cross on the turn from Whitworth in 80 minutes.
Merpro looked as though they had made the breakthrough when Scott Graham shrugged off a sandwich tackle to turn and slip the ball into the net in 85 minutes but the match official disappointingly disallowed the goal.
Merpro were unable to create any further openings and Newport held out to claim full points.
Team:Henderson,Gourlay,N.Duff,C.Allan,Whitworth,G.Allan,Bruce(Greig),Milne(Cruickshank),E.Duff(P.Duncan),Graham,Houston. Subs:Findlay,Simpson.
Match Sponsor:RK Services Tool Hire.

Douglas Sports Club 3 v 3 Merpro
Division 1         

Merpro remained top of Division 1 after gaining a hard fought away league point in a dramatic roller coaster of a match.
This was the proverbial game of two halves with Douglas enjoying the spoils in the opening half but a rollicking comeback from Merpro in the second half almost gave them the full points.
Merpro created the first opening when Bruce set up Euan Duff to run in on goal but Douglas GK Rice made a great block. The ball then fell for Donaldson but he could only direct his 6 yard header over the bar after 8 minutes.
Douglas went ahead a minute later following a corner kick routine resulting in a headed goal from 8 yards by Myles in 9 minutes.
Merpro created another great chance when Graham latched onto a through ball and his well hit snap shot was alertly tipped over the bar by the keeper in 11 minutes.
Merpro created another good chance with a well worked move involving Graeme Allan and Graham setting up Euan Duff but again the keeper made a great save to foil the striker in 14 minutes.
Douglas made the most of their next attack when Crerar broke from midfield and evaded a tackle before drilling into the net in 20 minutes to make it 2-0.
The match entered into a dogged phase with Merpro attempting to get back into the game but Douglas kept them at bay and remained the sharper of the sides without creating any further major chances.
Merpro looked to improve in the second half and immediately responded with a goal in the 46th minute.
Graham did well to slip in a pass for Euan Duff to hold off a tackle and drill in a low shot from 12 yards to make it 2-1.
Douglas however immediately replied a minute later when Crerar latched onto a quick free kick and clipped in a low shot parried by Henderson into the path of Myles to fire into the net from 5 yards to make it 3-1.
Merpro refused to be stunned and Donaldson came close with left foot shot from 20 yards in 54 minutes.
Merpro pushed players forward in an attempt to retrieve the game and Euan Duff was unlucky with a low shot cleared off the line in 56 minutes.
Whitworth looked to have scored with close range header but GK Rice made another great save to tip over the bar in 58 minutes.
Merpro were now well on top and received their reward when a Bruce long throw was headed home by Sean Whitworth from 8 yards in 62 minutes to make it 3-2.
Douglas were now reeling and Gourlay was next to come close with 22 yard shot pushed wide by the GK in 65 minutes.
The Douglas custodian did well again a few minutes later when he was alert to deny Graham from a long range Henderson kick.
Merpro pushing on were caught with a long ball which was failed to be cleared allowing an attacker in behind the defence. Henderson came out to meet and diving at his feet was deemed to have brought him down and a penalty was awarded. Henderson's anger at the award was redeemed when he dived low to save Crerar's penalty to keep Merpro in the match after 75 minutes.
Merpro soon resumed on the attack and equalised when Graham broke forward and was brought down just inside the box and Craig Allan respected the resultant penalty kick to make it 3-3 in 80 minutes.
Merpro sensed victory and Graham then had another shot cleared of the line in 82 minutes following another long clearance from Henderson.
Craig Allan looked to have found the net with a free kick but yet again GK Rice made a superb save to tip over the bar in 85 minutes.
Merpro continued to push forward and Graeme Allan broke forward from the defence picking up a Whitworth pass to run in on goal but the Douglas keeper again capped an excellent performance by foiling him just as he looked likely to round the custodian in 88 minutes.
A stirring second half fightback by Merpro almost secured the full points however a man of the match performance by the Douglas GK ensured the game ended all square.
Team:Henderson,Gourlay,N.Duff,C.Allan,Whitworth,G.Allan,Bruce,Greig,Graham(P.Duncan), E.Duff(Gibbon),Donaldson(Houston). Subs:Findlay,Gray.

St James 6 v 6 Merpro (after extra time)Merpro started the match on the offensive and Graham did well with a dribbling run along the byeline then firing in a 6 yard acute shot saved by GK Fino in 5 minutes.
From the resultant corner kick the ball fell for Whitworth but he was unable to direct his left foot shot on target from 10 yards.
Merpro continued to dominate and Greig did well to direct a midfield header for Graham to run through unopposed on goal but he was again denied by GK Fino after 8 minutes. Merpro came close again when Craig Allan floated in a free kick for Whitworthn to head goal wards at the back post but the GK saved well in10minutes. Merpro continued to unsettle the University defence.Euan Duff pressurised them into a mistake allowing Graham to lay off a pass for Craig Allan to curl a shot just past the post in 15 minutes.Merpro's initial pressure began to ease and the University began to settle and play some good football without causing any real threat.Merpro had another opening when Euan Duff headed wide from an Allan corner kick in 35 minutes.Neither side created any further openings and the match reached half time in stalemate.The University started the second half well putting some pressure on the Merpro rearguard.Findlay did well to save from close range when a cross found an attacker in the box who looked well offside in 53 minutes.Merpro quickly responded when Gourlay picked up a pass in midfield sending in a cross for Crig Alan to each other.Merpro finally created another opening when Craig Allan collected a Cruickshank pass found space on the edge of the box to fire in acrobatically twist in mid air to send in a curling 16 yard header into the top corner of the net in 55 minutes to make it 1-0.Both sides attempted to get some control of the match but were cancelling a shot St goal well saved by the GK in 70 minutes.Merpro soon went further ahead when a Donldson corner kick was met by Whitworth at the back post to head across goal for Darren Cruickshank to react quickest to head into the net from 6 yards to make it 2-0 after 75 minutes.The University side pushed players forward in the closing stages but a solid Merpro defence kept them at bay to record a clean sheet and another victory.
Team : Fiindlay,Gourlay,N.Duff,C.Allan, Whitworth,G.Allan,Cruickhank(Bruce),Greig,E.Duff(Gibbon), Graham, Houson(Donaldson),Sub:Gray.
Match Sponsor:Mr Motivator.


(Merpro win 3-2 on penalty kicks).
Bremner Cup 3rd Round
Saturday 12/3/11
Merpro travelled through to Dundee on Saturday to record another memorable victory in a remarkably dramatic game to move into the Quarter Finals.
An early morning pitch inspection declared the match playable to face the highly rated Premier side St James on their own patch.
St James are seen as one of the top sides in the Midlands Leagues and their opening play certainly merited their status. Merpro were pinned back from the start and St James went ahead after 2 minutes when Ward swept home from 10 yards.
Merpro were hanging on struggling to match the early pace but slowly worked their way into the game and equalised after 15 minutes. MIlne broke forward and hismshot was deflected into the path of Scott Graham to calmly stride in on goal and expertly slot past GK Darling to make it 1-1.
St James were unfettered and shortly after went ahead when Ward collected a pass and outpaced the covering defender to slot into the net from 12 yards to make it 2-1.
Nicol Duff attempted to reply with a long range shot saved by the GK in 20 minutes.
St James soon went further ahead when ex Dundee player McAlpine burst forward from right back to fire in a thunderous 20 yard drive to make it 3-1 in 25 minutes.
Merpro refused to be demoralised and began to create further openings.
Graham collected a through ball and ran in on goal but Darling made a good save in 30 minutes.
Milne then set up a chance for Cruickshank but as he approached goal he pulled his shot just wide going narrowly past in 35minutes.
Gourlay then sent a pass through for Graham but he was unable to break through after 40 minutes.
Merpro reached half time still believing the match was far from over and quickly went on the offensive into the second period.
Milne made a good run forward however was forced wide by the GK and his pass inside for  Greig was quickly defended in 47 minutes.
Greig was becoming more prominent and he had a shot from the edge of the box saved by the GK in 52minutes.
Merpro came back into the match after Greig did well in midfield before firing in a cross which was finely glanced by Scott Graham to find the net off the back post to make it 3-2 in 55 minutes.
Merpro stunned their opponents further when they equalised again when Scott Graham latched onto a ball and fired past Darling to complete his hat trick in 58 minutes.
Both sides attempted to search for the winner but the match remained in a stalemate with no further goals despite end to end action.
Merpro quickly seized the initiative in extra time when MIlne latched onto a Donaldson cross but snatched his shot from 6 yards and as the ball trundled goal wards Darren Cruickshank was sharpest in a melee of players to fire into the net from 3yards to put Merpro into the lead for the first time in the match after 92 minutes.
Merpro were now looking the most likely team to win but St James gradually fought back into the match and scored again with a McKenzie header from 10 yards in 96 minutes.
St James then went ahead again when Turnbull latched onto a ball on the edge of the box to fire in a shot from 18 yards to make it 5-4 after 97 minutes.
Merpro refused to buckle and created a further chance when Cruickshank  forced his way into the box with a series of passes but Darling did well to save his shot in 99 minutes.
St JAmes then went up the park and Connell looked to have sealed the match with a 25 yard shot skimming off the muddy surface into the net to make it 6-4 in 102 minutes.
Merpro pushed players forward in an effort to retrieve the match and Euan Duff almost snatched a goal when he found himself one on one in the box but the GK saved his close range effort.
Merpro were not to be denied however with the goal of the game when Chris Milne collected the ball on the half way line then proceeded to dribble past four players and play a return pass with Whitworth before firing low into the net from 10 yards to make it 6-5 in 113 minutes.
Henderson then had to make a low diving finger tip save to prevent a breakaway goal in 115 minutes.
Merpro then snatched a dramatic equaliser for the third time when Euan Duff fired into the top of the net from 10 yards after his initial effort had been blocked to make it a remarkable 6-6 in the 118th minute.
Neither side was able to force a winner and the match went into penalty kick drama.
Merpro went first but Craig Allan had his effort saved by the GK.
St James then went ahead yet again but a converted efforts from Chris Milne,Sean Whitworth ,Barry Gourlay and a Henderson penalty save allowed Merpro to seal the remarkable never say die win and oust one of the Cup favourites.
Team:Henderson,Gourlay,N.Duff,C.Allan,Whitworth,G.Allan,Greig(Gibbon),Milne,Graham(E.Duff),Cruickshank,Houston(Donldson)Subs:Bruce,Findlay.