Nairn St Ninian stun league title contenders in sensational North Cup victory
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NAIRN St Ninian manager Mike Hendry says his players should take a lot of encouragement from their stunning 3–2 victory over Bridge of Don Thistle in the North Regional Cup first round.
Saints left Thistle, who are second in the league, stunned after going 2–0 in front after 16 minutes.
Jordan Andrew gave them the lead after five minutes before he doubled their advantage nine minutes later.
However the visitors scored twice before the break to make it 2–2 at half time.
However, new signing Matthew Hawes scored the winner eight minutes from time to give the hosts victory at Nairn Showfield.
Despite victory against one of the north junior heavyweights, Hendry refused to get carried away with the result, but congratulated his players for an impressive performance.
“We were under no illusions what we had to do before the game,” said Hendry.
“But the boys worked hard and started off well.
“However, Bridge of Don are a good side and pressed us for the rest of the half and deserved to be level at half time.
“But we sorted it out and in the second half we were a lot of better and scored a good late goal.
“It was great to have big Matty score the winner as we have just signed him back into the squad.
“What this result will do is give them some encouragement as in the previous game we were guilty of just getting rid of the ball.
“But if we have the confidence to play against these sides, we can play against anybody.”
Nairn St Ninian have also signed left winger Davie Chambers who previously played for Forres Thistle as well as being at Inverness Caledonian Thistle.
Nairn St Ninian return to league action on Saturday when they travel to Inverurie to face Colony Park.
Both teams are on eight points but Nairn are eighth on goal difference while Colony Park are 10th behind Montrose Roselea.
