KDM Evolution Trophy Update

The group stage fixtures of the KDM Evolution Trophy came to a conclusion as far as Forfar Athletic were concerned with a gritty and at times impressive performance in atrocious conditions at the Balmoral Stadium last night the final outcome a 2-1 win over Cove Rangers. Both goals came from an unlikely source in Player-Coach Mark Whatley, but all fifteen players in Athies colours, not forgetting our opponents and the match officials deserved a ‘medal’ for getting the ninety plus minutes completed.

A huge pat on the back to the not surprisingly small band of ‘Loons’ fans who made the journey up the A90 braving high winds, heavy rain and road closures in the vicinity of the ground to lend their so welcome support on the night.

The postponement of the Dumbarton v Stenhousemuir and the Montrose v Hibernian ‘B’ fixtures last night have seen a delay to the scheduled draw for the first round knockout stage of the competition which was due to be held on Thursday afternoon. The complexities of this draw means that all ninety group stage fixtures must be completed before it can be made.

Presumably both ties will be played on either Monday or Wednesday of next week but that is still to be confirmed. The outcome of the clash between the ‘Sons’ and the ‘Warriors’ will obviously effect whether Jim Weir’s side are in the seeded side of the draw or not.

The win at Cove last night alongside a combination of results elsewhere lifted the ‘Loons’ into sixth spot, the final seeded position. However if Dumbarton win on home soil against Gary Naysmith’s side they will replace the ‘Loons’ as one of six seeded outfits. If Stenhousemuir win the Athies stay in sixth spot.

If the game at the Marbill Coaches Stadium ends in a draw, sixth spot will be decided by wait for it in order of priority;-

a) Goal Difference

b) Goals Scored

c) Most Wins over the six group games

Whatever the outcome and whether seeded or not and the writer stands to be corrected as ever, the manner in which the draw will be formulated gives at this stage Stuart Morrison and his colleagues five options as far as opponents go for a fixture that most likely will be played either home or away on Tuesday 9th December. Somewhat disappointingly four of them are from our own league, the quintet comprising East Kilbride, Edinburgh City, Stranraer, Dumbarton and League1 East Fife.

All will be revealed at some point. Watch this space!