WorldNet 2004 -

For the final time under Lesley Swan, Fir Park Corner travelled south knowing that they would have to play IFA Cup finalists Fulham, IFA League runners up Millwall and Italian giants Inter Milan in the group stages. The team had all intentions of making a weekend of it whatever the results and following the obligatory drinks of the Friday evening, the Corner started with an 11am kick off against Fulham. The gap in class was clear in the first half with Fulham taking a deserved two goal lead at half time. The second half saw a major improvement by FPC and the side clawed one back through Ross Galloway. The Motherwell side continued to press with a last gasp chance to equalise falling again to the right winger, this time his header grazing the bar.

The Corner continued their good showing against Millwall dominating the first half. FPC took the lead just before half time and held firm until the closing minutes of the match collapsing under a late burst of pressure, the match ending in a 1-1 draw..

By the time the final group mach came around by 4pm, the Corner fitness levels were dwindling. It was no surprise when Inter Milan took the lead 10 minutes into the match, FPC looked dead and buried. However, a 20 yard pile driver from David Fraser brought the Motherwell side level minutes before the break. If the tank was running on fumes in the first half, the second period saw a crash of epic proportions. Inter scored twice but it could have been far more as the group stages drew to a close.

A dodgy coat

The only saving grace of the day was a comprehensive win over Everton. A double by Scott Mullen plus goals from Fraser, Derek Wilson, Dave Hendry and an own goal saw the Corner walk away with a 6-1 victory. The match even saw manager Swan’s first and last appearance on the field for the Corner.

Following a difficult day of group matches the Corner drew a Partick Thistle and Queen Of The South combined effort who were threatened with expulsion following a poor Saturday on the discipline front. However, it was the Corner who conceded through a penalty after John Hendry pulled down the on rushing striker just inside the box. With the heads down and the alcohol still having an effect the Corner went on to crash out following a 2-0 defeat.

Whilst the results don’t show it, Fir Park Corner played fairly well over the course of the weekend. The group matches were always going to be difficult but with two breaks of the ball the lads ended up with a draw to show for their efforts rather that a win against Millwall and a draw.

This year FPC will again face Millwall in group 8 and also Hearts and last season’s Scottish League winners Ayr United, difficult again but not impossible.