Greenock HSFP Black 3 vs 4 Johnstone Burgh

Divisional Cup semi-final this morning, and it turned out to be some game.

Johnstone Burgh started the brighter side and were awarded a penalty inside the opening two minutes, which they converted to take an early lead. 0-1

They continued to apply pressure in the early stages, but our defence stood firm and worked hard to keep them out.

We grabbed an equaliser on 20 minutes, somewhat against the run of play. Kieran lifted a hopeful ball into the box and Dylan reacted quickest, finishing well to make it 1-1.

Johnstone regained the lead 10 minutes later after pressing high and forcing a mistake, their striker finishing well from the edge of the box. A disappointing one to concede. 1-2

We had chances to level again before the break, Mure went through one-on-one but fired over, and Aaron was denied by a great save from the keeper.

HT 1-2

The High School came out strongly in the second half and were back level within a minute. Mure won a corner, Kieran drilled it low to the front post, and Dylan met it first time to fire high into the net. 2-2

Johnstone edged back in front shortly after with a direct free kick, another tough one to take as we were beginning to get a foothold in the game. 2-3

To the boys’ credit, they responded well again. A quick counter saw Shammy release Kieran down the left, who switched it to Mure. His first-time ball over the top found Kaiden, who finished confidently to make it 3-3.

At that stage, it felt like there was only one team in it. We were moving the ball well and creating chances, pushing hard for a winner with 15 minutes to go.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be. Despite our pressure, Johnstone struck late with a well-taken goal after their striker showed great strength to get in behind and finish. 3-4

A real sucker punch after the effort the boys put in to get back into the game three times. That’s cup football for ye. Johnstone were just that bit more clinical with the chances they had on the day, and we’ll know ourselves we could have done better with a couple of the goals we conceded.

That said, we can’t fault the effort. The boys worked their socks off and gave everything but it just wasn't our day.

A good cup tie overall, and credit to Johnstone Burgh. Their pace and power caused problems, and we wish them all the best in the final.

Goals:

Dylan ??

Kaiden ?

Coaches’ MOTM: Dylan ?? the wee man's link-up play was excellent again, and he’s on a good run of scoring form, long may it continue