The semi-finals of the Balgay Bar Cup and we were up against Dundee Rangers as we aimed for our first ever cup final. The gaffer had a strong squad to choose from as we started the game with a 4-4-2 formation.
Broony
Craig S, Tam, Craig M, Hutchy
Darren, Ryan, McBee, Ecky
Liam, Mitch
Subs; Fyffee, Hezy, Bogger, Scotty, Millsy
We went into the match as favourites but knew we would be in for a tough match against a very good Rangers side. This proved to be the case as our opponents started the match much the better as we looked nervous in the opening exchanges not able to get our foot on the ball enough. The first real chance came 15 minutes in when after a cross into the box their striker headed for goal from 8 yards out but Broony pulled off a brilliant save to keep the scores level. They did take the lead soon after this though from a very good team move. We then started to get back into the match and got a bit of luck with the equaliser when Ecky’s cross from the right hand side flew into the net. Both teams then had chances to take the lead but the first half finished level.
HT 1-1
We started the second half much better and hit the woodwork twice, firstly from Darren as he got his shot away from inside the box but the keeper tipped his shot onto the post and out for a corner. Then big Mitch hit the post after getting on the end of Ryan’s corner. This was to be as close as we would come though and for the remainder of the game we were put under pressure. Broony made a couple of terrific saves as they tried to get the winner, then in stoppage time a goalmouth scramble saw us clear the ball off the line twice and the game was to be decided by the dreaded penalty shoot-out. We had only ever been involved in a penalty shoot-out once when we lost in the quarter final stage of the same cup in our debut season but this time we were to come out victorious. Tam slotted away the penalty to put us up 4-3 before Buchan blazed his over the bar for Rangers to send us into the final.
FT 1-1
Harleys win 4-3 on penalties
