FALLIN and Tower Hearts, both from the Central Scottish AFL, will contest this year’s Kappa and Only Sport Scottish Amateur Cup Final after two closely-contested Semi-Final ties.
Both matches were played this week at New Douglas Park, Hamilton. Each provided its own moments of drama.
On Monday evening, in front of a large and expectant crowd, Fallin edged a highly entertaining game against Lesmahagow 2-1.
Fallin enjoyed the better of much of the game, their wide men posing an almost constant threat to a hard-worked ‘Gow defence. Leading 1-0 at the break, Fallin looked to be in control when they extended their lead with just over 10 minutes remaining.
But, Lesmahagow refused to capitulate. A goal 7 minutes from the end set up a thrilling finale. The goal revitalised ‘Gow, who dominated the closing stages. Despite coming close, it was Fallin who stood firm to earn the first Cup Final berth.
Another bumper crowd watched Thursday’s contest between Tower Hearts and Wishaw High School FP. This game was even closer.
Neither side was able to break the deadlock during the regulation ninety minutes, or after extra time. In a game devoid of clear-cut chances, the 0-0 score-line saw the match settled by another dramatic penalty shoot-out.
Tower were reduced to ten men some thirty minutes in, following a second yellow card infringement. Hearts re-grouped so efficiently Wishaw were unable to benefit from their one-man advantage.
Tower keeper, Graeme Milne and Wishaw stopper Sandy Thomson were undoubtedly the game’s top performers.
Milne pulled off an incredible 5 penalty saves in total. Thomson’s instinctive save from a close-range header near the end of extra-time was remarkable. And, not to be outdone, Thomson also saved 2 of Tower’s spot kicks.
The first of Graeme Milne’s penalty stops came in added time at the end of the first-half. The keeper anticipated the direction of Mark Duffy’s effort, diving full-length to his left to save.
Incredibly Graeme Milne saved Wishaw’s first 4 attempts in the shoot-out, on each occasion diving to his right to parry. Sandy Thomson’s double-save, and a wayward miss, meant David Quinn’s converted effort saw Tower lead 1-0 after 4 penalties each. Josh Payne equalised with Wishaw’s 5th kick. Duncan Wilson held his nerve with a confident finish to send Tower Hearts into the final 2-1.
So, after a dramatic week of football, Fallin will play Tower Hearts in this year’s Scottish Amateur Cup Final. The date and the venue have still to be confirmed.
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