Match Report

Second Half Fightback Clinches Second Final Appearance

Windlaw reached their second cup final of the season courtesy of a fine second half comeback. There was mixed team news beforehand with John Lunny and Zanda Dougall returning and a great lift for everyone was the welcome return of Brendan Bonnar to the squad. Excellent to see the wee man back in Windlaw colours .Bad news was work commitments ruling out Thomas Taylor and Steph McCann and further bad news that striker Scott Williamson would have to sit out the rest of this season. Its to Scotty's great credit that he has attempted to play through the pain barrier for the club but the discomfort has finally been too much and for a change ,it is our turn to carry the hopes of the club and give him complete rest to recover for next season.

Windlaw began well and attempted to play football on a pitch with many bumpy bare patches. An early chance was spurned when McCaig shot over from just inside the box. Martin Docherty also had a good chance with a header but couldn't direct it on target. Lochend rarely threatened though but took a shock lead after around twenty minutes. A magnificent inswinging corner of the undefendable variety arched in under the Windlaw crossbar and was headed home from inches out. This was tough on Windlaw who without hitting their peak, were certainly controlling the game. Before half time Carey hit the bar with a header as Lochend's goal led a charmed life.

After a quiet start to the second half Windlaw again took control and Kevin McCann's long throws were beginning to cause real problems for Lochend .It was from one of these that the equaliser came with the Lochend keeper failing to collect, the ball struck a defender and sneaked in It was just the spark Windlaw needed and soon after, we took the lead. Another long throw, another crowd scene and Benny Carey appeared to get the vital touch. Lochend failed to respond and another Windlaw goal looked more likely. The quality of the third goal was breathtaking and was scored by probably the only player in the league capable of scoring it. As Benny Carey knocked a high ball neatly into his path just outside the left hand edge of the Lochend box, Kevin McCann knocked it up on his knee, took two further keepy-ups and crashed a left foot volley across the keeper into his left hand corner. Absolutely stunning, we have scored some fine goals this season, those who seen this can decide if this was the best. This should have settled it but yet again we conceded a sloppy goal from a neat header from a Lochend free kick. With minutes remaining Shug Neeson kept up his fine recent scoring record and wrapped it up. His angled header from a Bonnar free kick could not be kept out despite a combined effort from Lochend's keeper and their centre half.

Star Man and Summing Up: Kevin McCann Set up two and scored an absolute beauty. The great enigma again showed today just why he is our most talented player. We will need big performances like this from him in the coming weeks. The second half performance was better today and we were the team who looked more likely and tried to pass the ball. Sterner challenges now lie ahead with three crucial league games and two cup finals to play as our season will now strech right out until the fourth of June.