| Strathclyde Cup:Quarter Final | |
| 15th April 2006 Barlia Sports Complex |
|
| Windlaw | 1 |
| S.Neeson, Penalties:Z.Dougall | |
| Shawbridge | 1 |
| B.Scally | |
| Shawbridge Win 3-1 on penalties | |
Star Man: John Lunny, of whom Windlaw Manager Gary Wilson said "The big man simply did not deserve to be on the losing side." Noteable mentions also went to Chris Kerr and Alan Nugent.
Action Details
Windlaw are dealt a blow on the eve of the game when influential midfielders Docherty and Kev McCann are ruled out through work commitments. John McCabe replaced Bruce Tierney in defence and Alan Nugent slotted into Kevin McCann's midfield berth in the only changes to the starting line-up from our last league game at Barlia against Lochend. Zanda Dougall and Colin Carmichael return to the bench after missing recently. Shawbridge also look to be missing key personnel but retain a talented starting line-up.
Windlaw take the lead in 5 minutes. Eck McCaig is fouled at the edge of the Shawbridge box and while attempting to sort out their defensive wall, Shawbridge are caught napping as Alan Nugent asks the ref if the kick can be taken quickly and Shug Neeson plops the ball into the unguarded corner of the Shaw's keepers net. Shaws try to hit back but despite retaining good possession they fail to open the Windlaw defence. Windlaw have sporadic opportunities and more unselfishness at times would have given the Shawbridge defence some real problems. On the half hour mark, Shawbridge seem to take complete control and are passing through Windlaw at will, however the home side hold out until their half-time rollicking.
Half Time: Windlaw 1 Shawbridge 0
The second half begins as the first half ends with Shaws in control. They seem to want to get the ball down and pass. Windlaw's passing is atrocious when in possession and the ball returned too much to the opposition too easily. From such a scenario, Shaws get a deserved equaliser on 55 minutes. Windlaw lose the ball at the half-way line and a ball is played over the top of the Windlaw defence for Barry Scally who beats John Lunny to the ball and his shot has just enough on it to cross the line despite McInally's scrambled attempt to clear. Shaws continue to dominate and only three stunning saves from Windlaw keeper Lunny keeps the home side in it, one in particular was breathtaking. Windlaw had a late claim for what would have been an undeserved winner waved away when a Shug Neeson goalbound header from a corner was hacked away despite claims that the ball had crossed the line. Once again though, the farce of playing penalties after only 90 minutes was reached.
Full Time: Windlaw 1 Shawbridge 1
Penalties: Benny Carey and John McCabe missed Windlaw's first two kicks as the home side looked apathetic to the tie. Shaws missed their first one then scored their second. Zanda Dougall netted Windlaw's only counter followed by a Shawbridge conversion. Chris Kerr then scored his off the underside of the bar only to be ruled ‘no goal' by the referee. An incredible decision as the Shaws keeper later admitted it was a goal. Shaws converted the winner to put the home side out of their misery but to be honest, it didn't look like they cared that much anyway.
Summing Up - Windlaw got what they deserved here and the better side undoubtedly won. Who knows what excuses they can offer for this embarrassment of a performance. How it got to penalties, only John Lunny will know. Good luck to a determined Shaws side, well led as always by Archie Bryce and Mark Dyer. They'll take some beating in this tournament and will probably be wondering ‘what if' in terms of the League Title that Greenhills have taken.
