Post by Michael Gray on Aug 8, 2008 15:41:49 GMT
It has been 6 years since this pair last met in the semi-final of the HA Cup and there was more than a touch of deja-vu as United again progressed via solitary penalty dispatched on this occasion by skipper Willie Inrig. Given what was at stake it was never going to be a classic although perhaps Golspie were if anything the slight favourites given their earlier exploits in the competition. The Sutherland side had the games first opportunity when Darren Pullen, a winner with United back in 2000 rose to meet an Innes corner but could only nod over on the stretch. United had made a slightly tentative start but were slowly working their way back into the game Farquhar and Smith were having a royal battle with no quarter being asked for or given. James Murray had United’s first attempt on goal when he drifted in from the right to fire across the face of goal after 15 minutes but Budge seemed unconcerned. Mid way through the half centre half Smith retired after succumbing to an injury incurred earlier in the match after a collision with United keeper Gray. Farquhar then picked up a needless booking after getting involved in a tangle with A Sutherland, Pullen quickly joined him for a deliberate handball on the half way line after misjudging a Thomson clearance. The breakthrough came with quarter of an hour remaining in the half when a Lee Sutherland shot from the edge of the box was charged down by the arm of Pullen referee Gunn had no hesitation but to point to the spot, skipper Inrig assumed the responsibility and duly slammed the penalty passed the outstretched arms of Budge. The game then settled down United made another great break through Lee Sutherland bursting through the heart of the Golspie midfield and it took the outstretched leg of J Sutherland to block the effort. At the other end Aarron Smith had a chance with a shot from 8 yards after great work from Shane Sutherland down the Golspie right allowed him to burst to the byeline before cutting the ball back for the little winger but his effort was too high. United seemed to drop their energy levels with about 10 to go in the first half and allowed Golspie to gain the initiative, which was summed up when Lee Sutherland tidied up a loose ball 20 yards out then rather dallied although to be fair his options were limited until he was dispossessed by Innes, who the United midfielder then proceeded to foul, Innes took the set-piece himself bending the ball right footed round the wall but Gray saved at the second attempt.
Half time
Pentland United 1-0 Golspie
Golspie started the second half the brighter side immediately penning the Caithness side back after a clever centre saw them instigate a two on one situation at the United right back area. After a series of movements they eventually switched to the left where Aarron Smith was eventually presented with a chance but never quite got hold of the shot from 12 yards and a combination of Thomson and John Skinner blocked the effort with Gray smothering the loose ball. The defensive unit of Thomson, Skinner and Steven were providing a solid backline for United to build upon and slowly they turned the tide against Golspie. James Skinner had a powerful run from midfield to within 25 yards before unleashing a sweet right foot drive but it was too straight and Budge showed good hands on the goal line. Thomson the hero in the last round then was thwarted at the last moment as he looked to double United’s advantage after great link up involving James Murray and Tony Farquhar, the left sided defender who had started the move back in his own half strode forward and just when it seemed he would tuck it away Adam Sutherland produced a goal saving challenge. As the half progressed Stafford started to become increasingly anxious with United countering very positively and defending so well chances were at a premium. Two more players entered referee Gunn’s notebook again in quick succession, James Skinner for persistent fouling and Jordan Sutherland for a reckless lunge on Farquhar. Shane Sutherland who is due to return to Brora Rangers in the next week produced a good change of pace down the left before shooting from 20 yards but couldn’t find the target. Golspie then survived another huge appeal for a penalty when Murray broke away down the United left and showed a wonderful change of pace to draw a desperate lunge from Pullen who seemed to bring the youngster crashing to the floor but referee Gunn waved away the appeals. Right at the death controversy reigned again firstly John Skinner went down with a head knock in the centre circle referee Gunn deemed the injury not serious enough to stop play and Golspie raged away with Innes trying to thread the ball through for Aarron Smith but Thomson should all his experience to ease the winger away and Gray collected, however the referee then halted play for Skinner to receive attention on completion of this he re-started with a bounce ball on the edge of the box, which Golspie contested and nearly burst through but Innes stumbled at the vital time and the chance was lost.
Full time
Pentland United 1-0 Golspie
1. M Gray 2. G Mackay 3. G Bell 4. G Steven 5 J.W Skinner 6. R Thomson 7. W Inrig (c) 8. L Sutherland 9. T Farquhar (J Budge 80) 10. J Murray 11. J Skinner
Subs not used
D Manson
B Thain
G Mackenzie
View from the goal
Far from a classic game of football but played with great spirit and passion, which is to be expected given what was at stake. There was very little to choose between the teams in the end although I thought we were perhaps the better on the day although I am sure that others will disagree but I thought we defended well from the back forward and attacked with purpose. It is now an all Caithness final v our fierce rivals Castletown, which is sure to be another feisty encounter. Firstly however we have the small matter of trying to secure the league on Tuesday v Rovers and this will be no easy game.
Half time
Pentland United 1-0 Golspie
Golspie started the second half the brighter side immediately penning the Caithness side back after a clever centre saw them instigate a two on one situation at the United right back area. After a series of movements they eventually switched to the left where Aarron Smith was eventually presented with a chance but never quite got hold of the shot from 12 yards and a combination of Thomson and John Skinner blocked the effort with Gray smothering the loose ball. The defensive unit of Thomson, Skinner and Steven were providing a solid backline for United to build upon and slowly they turned the tide against Golspie. James Skinner had a powerful run from midfield to within 25 yards before unleashing a sweet right foot drive but it was too straight and Budge showed good hands on the goal line. Thomson the hero in the last round then was thwarted at the last moment as he looked to double United’s advantage after great link up involving James Murray and Tony Farquhar, the left sided defender who had started the move back in his own half strode forward and just when it seemed he would tuck it away Adam Sutherland produced a goal saving challenge. As the half progressed Stafford started to become increasingly anxious with United countering very positively and defending so well chances were at a premium. Two more players entered referee Gunn’s notebook again in quick succession, James Skinner for persistent fouling and Jordan Sutherland for a reckless lunge on Farquhar. Shane Sutherland who is due to return to Brora Rangers in the next week produced a good change of pace down the left before shooting from 20 yards but couldn’t find the target. Golspie then survived another huge appeal for a penalty when Murray broke away down the United left and showed a wonderful change of pace to draw a desperate lunge from Pullen who seemed to bring the youngster crashing to the floor but referee Gunn waved away the appeals. Right at the death controversy reigned again firstly John Skinner went down with a head knock in the centre circle referee Gunn deemed the injury not serious enough to stop play and Golspie raged away with Innes trying to thread the ball through for Aarron Smith but Thomson should all his experience to ease the winger away and Gray collected, however the referee then halted play for Skinner to receive attention on completion of this he re-started with a bounce ball on the edge of the box, which Golspie contested and nearly burst through but Innes stumbled at the vital time and the chance was lost.
Full time
Pentland United 1-0 Golspie
1. M Gray 2. G Mackay 3. G Bell 4. G Steven 5 J.W Skinner 6. R Thomson 7. W Inrig (c) 8. L Sutherland 9. T Farquhar (J Budge 80) 10. J Murray 11. J Skinner
Subs not used
D Manson
B Thain
G Mackenzie
View from the goal
Far from a classic game of football but played with great spirit and passion, which is to be expected given what was at stake. There was very little to choose between the teams in the end although I thought we were perhaps the better on the day although I am sure that others will disagree but I thought we defended well from the back forward and attacked with purpose. It is now an all Caithness final v our fierce rivals Castletown, which is sure to be another feisty encounter. Firstly however we have the small matter of trying to secure the league on Tuesday v Rovers and this will be no easy game.