Cup hopes dashed by late goal
The Shipyard’s Scottish Cup dream was shattered for another season after a controversial 95th winner for Glasgow University at Garscube Sports Complex on Saturday. The Shipyard deserved at least a draw, taking into account a missed penalty early in the second half.
The game kicked off in fine autumn sunshine in front of a healthy crowd, boosted by a decent support from Burntisland and a large student contingent supporting their colleagues. The playing surface was in magnificent condition and a real credit to an amateur football club. The University started out on top in the opening exchanges where Chalmers held a weak effort and Whyte got back to make a good tackle. The Shipyard’s first opportunity came in 14 minutes when a cross from McCue caused panic in the Uni box. The ball reached Grieve, whose shot was carried over the goal line by keeper Livingstone for a corner. The University continued to dominate the first half but, the Shipyard defence was reasonably comfortable with a couple of shots flying wide of goal and Chalmers dealing with any attempts on target. Just on half-time a great through ball from J. Williams almost put Johnston in but, the keeper was quick off his line to smother the ball.
The second half was only 4 minutes old when the Shipyard were awarded a penalty kick after Gordon Grieve was kicked in the face trying to head the ball into the net. Unfortunately, Owen McCue’s shot was brilliantly saved by Andrew Livingstone, pushing the ball away for a corner. Grieve was unable to continue after treatment, complaining of poor vision in his right eye. The University got on top again and went close when the excellent Rothnie headed wide from a corner. The Shipyard missed another great chance after 67 minutes, this time from McCue’s free-kick T. Williams missed the target from inside the 6 yard box. The University had muted appeals for a penalty after a scramble in the Shipyard box, claiming handball but, the referee ignored them. With 15minutes to go a McCue free-kick was straight at the keeper . With a replay looking likely there was a sensational end to the match when the referee awarded the University a free-kick in the 95th minute, pulling play back after the University player got a good shot at goal, which Chalmers did well to hold, booking sub Henderson for his tackle. From the free-kick the ball was headed clear to Paul Ruddy whose first time shot flew into the net with Chalmers unsighted. Ruddy admitted after the match that he just hit it and hoped and was lucky. It was a very cruel blow to the Shipyard, where ever player gave everything and did not deserve to lose.
Teams: Glasgow University: A. Livingstone; G. Jones; P. Ruddy; C. Tevendale; G. Ferguson; E. Rothnie; A. Knight; A. Greenhill; J. Kerr; M. Gruba; M. Mackay. Subs: J. Macfarlane; A. Black; A. Steven; D. Campbell; D. Moniz.
Burntisland Shipyard: S. Chalmers; S. McAndrew; J. Whyte; B. Cook; T. Williams; G. Grieve (N. Ferguson); M. Brown (K. Drummond); M. Hamilton; J. Williams (L. Henderson); N. Johnston; O. McCue. Unused Subs: S. Tasker; J. Houston.
Referee: J. Lawson.