Strathspey Thistle and Dalbeattie Star played out a dramatic 2-2 draw in the Scottish Cup on October 3, 2026, leaving the tie finely balanced. In a match that swung from end to end, Strathspey twice took the lead, only for Dalbeattie to respond and force a replay at Islecroft Stadium.

An open and entertaining first half

Strathspey Thistle started brightly and took the lead in the 18th minute when Fraser Munro found space on the edge of the box and fired a low shot into the corner. The home crowd were on their feet, but Dalbeattie Star responded well to the setback, equalising in the 33rd minute through Ryan McStay, who finished neatly after a quick break.

The first half continued at a high tempo, with both teams creating chances. Strathspey’s wingers were a constant threat, while Dalbeattie looked dangerous on the counter. The defences were stretched, and it was no surprise when the half ended level.

Key moments

• 18’ – Strathspey 1-0: Fraser Munro opens the scoring with a low drive.
• 33’ – Dalbeattie 1-1: Ryan McStay equalises after a swift counter-attack.
• 54’ – Strathspey 2-1: Jordan Whyte restores the lead with a close-range finish.
• 88’ – Dalbeattie 2-2: Liam Park levels late with a composed finish inside the box.

Second-half drama

Strathspey regained the lead in the 54th minute when Jordan Whyte turned home a cross from the right. For much of the second half, they looked likely to see the game out, defending with concentration and looking dangerous on the break. But Dalbeattie Star never stopped pushing, and their persistence paid off in the 88th minute when Liam Park equalised.

There was still time for one final Strathspey attack, but a last-ditch clearance denied them a winner. The 2-2 scoreline means the tie remains unresolved, and the two sides will meet again in a replay.

What happens next

Dalbeattie Star will host the replay at Islecroft Stadium, where they will hope home advantage can carry them through. Strathspey Thistle, meanwhile, will take encouragement from their attacking display but will be frustrated to have conceded so late. In a cup tie full of momentum shifts, both managers will feel their side has more to give.