Head boy Mark seals it for Noull

Aug 22 2008 by Our Correspondent, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

KINNOULL are through to the semi finals of the ACA Sports League Cup after winning their midweek derby clash with Jeanfield Swifts by the odd goal in five.

Swifts were the only team in the section that could still pip Kinnoull for this prize but to do so they had to win or at least get a draw and that looked to be on the cards as the score stood at 2–2 with only three minutes of the game left to play.

This scoreline had it remained would have meant that Swifts would have gone into tomorrow’s game against Bankfoot seeing them snatch that semi final place away from their city rivals.

It didn’t happen for them as Kinnoull went on to score a last ditch dramatic and controversial winner (in the eyes of Jeanfield), which left Swifts quite aggrieved as they felt Mark Gordon, who scored this goal, was in an offside position.

Unfortunately for Swifts the referee didn’t see it that way.

Kinnoull certainly had the better of the exchanges in the first half and their interval lead of 1–0 didn’t flatter them.

Full back Neil Gardiner was their goal scorer.

Neil had come up with his attack and he met with a cross from the right wing inside the penalty box and slotted the ball past keeper Andy Mackie from close range, after only six minutes.

Two minutes later Jon Kelly almost increased their lead with a well executed lob that went over Andy Mackie’s head but came back off the bar and was cleared.

Kinnoull increased their lead to 2–0 with a goal from Chris Anton in 61 minutes. Chris had come on as a sub a few minutes earlier.

Swifts came storming back into the game with two goals in the matter of three minutes.

Mike Waring got the first of this double when he whacked the ball past keeper Duncan Bruce from about 12 yards. Tony Holt had made the chance for that goal with a free kick into the heart of the Swifts penalty box.

Three minutes later another excellent free kick from Tony again into the penalty box saw Swifts striker John Anderson out-jump everybody to head home the equaliser.

Now it was anybody’s game and with only three minutes remaining a cross into Swifts’ goalmouth found Mark Gordon at the back post.

Mark headed the ball into the back of the net amidst quite vociferous claims that he was offside from the Swifts but they didn’t change the referee’s decision and the game ended 3–2 for Kinnoull.

The draw for the semi finals was due to take place last night.

Swifts, who were without a few players for their midweek game will face a similar scenario tomorrow.

Gerrard Kelly is getting married, Tony Holt and Donald McDonald are unavailable, while Willie Simpson and Gary Brock are again missing due to injuries.

On the credit side Mike Gow is expected to return after injury. It’s a late selection from Eddie O’Connor.

Bankfoot were also engaged in midweek away to Scone Thistle.

Those two very young looking sides fought out a 1–1 draw which was a pretty fair result.

Bankies had what was probably the best chance of the first half when John Mitchell crossed to George Lamond who blasted the ball past the post from close range.

The deadlock was broken when Barry Ward put the Bankies ahead. Barry was brought down in the penalty box in 56 minutes by Thistle goalkeeper Dave Winton.

Barry took the resultant spot kick himself only to see the keeper make an excellent save but the ball broke away from him and Barry connected with the rebound and made no mistake with his second shot.

Bankies joy didn’t last long as Thistle were back on level terms within five minutes with a goal from Dave Routledge.

Bankies keeper Craig Gillon had made an excellent save from a Josh Kelly header but it broke away from him and Routledge was on the spot to bundle the loose ball over the goal line.

A few minutes later John Mitchell came close to scoring for the Bankies. John hit a cracking volley from the edge of the penalty box which looked like a homer but it caught the cross bar and a defender cleared the danger.

Bankies were forced to play the last 15 minutes of the game with nine men.

Craig Johnston had to go off with an injury and couldn’t be replaced as they had used their subs.

A few minutes later Scott McCabe got his marching orders after picking up a second caution.

A draw however was a pretty fair result.

Bankies will be without Craig Johnston for their game against Jeanfield tomorrow as he was admitted to PRI after the serious injury he suffered in their midweek game.

On the credit side goalkeeper Darren McGarry returns to the squad which Bankies boss Robin Wood expects to number 19.

Scone are at home to Luncarty both sides are chasing a victory that will improve their points tally.

Scone manager Derek Adam has made a smart capture. Derek has signed full back James Reid. James has been playing with the Cowdenbeath youth team but has been released to allow him to join Scone. James made his debut in the midweek game against Bankfoot and turned in an excellent performance.

Scott McManus returns to the squad for tomorrow’s game but missing are Chris Hamilton and Callum McKinlay (both unavailable) and Josh Kelly is suspended. Derek Adam expects to have a squad of 17 available.

Luncarty had no midweek game and they expect to have Alan Duncan in goal for them in place of Mark Mitchell who is unavailable.

Also missing are Fraser Simpson (virus), Mike Jarmuszewski (unavailable), Greg Zaczek (injured). The good news is that Greg has resumed light training.

Luncarty boss Alan Williams expects to have a squad of 16 available.

Coupar Angus are guests of Lochee Harp and Coupar who have had excellent results are looking to take a favourable result from this game. They will make a late selection.

Blairgowrie completed their league cup section games with a resounding 4–1 away win over Downfield in midweek.

Blair found themselves a goal behind after 30 minutes. Phil Donaldson was the Downfield scorer.

Blair hit back with a vengeance with a three goal blitz in the space of five minutes.

Andy Murray scored two goals in 38 and 41 minutes and Ryan Menzies scored in 43 minutes.

Mark Brash put the icing on the cake for Blair when he made it 4–1 in 65 minutes.

Blair still top the section, a point ahead of Lochee United. The Dundonians have the advantage of a game in hand.

Lochee United have entered a protest against Blair whom they allege played an ineligible player in their league cup game a couple of weeks ago that ended with a 2–2 score line.

Kinnoull, who have no official game tomorrow, have arranged a friendly away from home to Hill o’ Beath. The kick off is 1.15pm.