Invercairn Win Scottish Cup

Invercairn United are Scottish Champions after they defeated Greenock side
Maukinhill United 2-1 after extra time to lift the Donald McNair Cup in an enthralling
game at Links Park, Montrose.
Matthew Wests side showed great character to fight back from a goal down to
clinch the trophy in extra time after James Gibb scored a penalty with 10mins
remaining.
The full time whistle sparked wonderful scenes as the Bilger players, management
and fans alike celebrated together in their momentous win.
The Herald managed to speak to Invercairn manager Matty West after the game, It
seemed to just be our day, it was a nervy game, we never really settled but we had much
more to offer as the game went on and we looked a much fitter team than our opposition in
the later stages. Fitness was key, but as crucially was the quality that came on off the bench
to freshen up our attack. I dont usually single players out but the performance of Marco our
goalie was outstanding. When called upon produced - as he has done so regularly for us this
season - some fantastic saves. I felt we edged it overall and deserved to take the cup back
up north. A great day for our club, the village and the association as a whole. Id like to
thank the fans who travelled down and made the atmosphere unlike anything Ive
experienced at any level.

It looked on paper like a classic youth versus experience matchup with the majority
of the Bilger side in their early twenties, whilst the Maukinhill side boasted a
number of older, ex-semi pro players. The game kicked off in balmy conditions with
a raucous Bilger fan base providing a thunderous soundtrack.
It was the Greenock side that started strongly, within 5mins the lanky Greene found
space at the back post to send a header inches wide to the relief of Invercairn.
The Bilgers were struggling to get into the game with nerves undoubtedly playing a
part. Possession was gifted away and their pressing game initially looking lethargic.
Maukinhill again came close on 12mins when Bains free kick into the box was not
cleared and Docherty slashed his shot wide from 12yards.
Against the run of play Invercairn should have taken the lead. On 17mins Liam Reid
broke up a Maukinhill attack and quickly played Lumsden clear on the left, the
young winger bore down on goal but elected to pass instead of shoot and Lennox
got back to clear.
Maukinhills older heads were retaining possession well creating a number of
chances in the process, the best of which saw Docherty and Greene combine to set
McLeish up 12yards out but his effort flew narrowly over.
On 31mins United came close to breaking the deadlock when Patterson played
Whyte in on the edge of the box. The striker twisted Lennox inside out before
scuffing an effort off the post with Maukinhill keeper Rossiter rooted to the spot.
Maukinhill continued to press but Barrets dangerous left wing cross was expertly
defended by Cowie.

With the game ticking into first half injury time Maukinhill struck. Bolans quick
switch of play caught Noble and Walker sleeping and as Greene chased down the
ball Walker hauled him back, earning the Bilger full back a yellow and gifting the
Greenock side a free kick 22yards out.
Dolan stepped up to fire a curled effort round the wall which struck the post and
LENNOX reacted quickest to head home the rebound and give Maukinhill the lead
with the last action of the half.
Invercairn came out for the second half buoyed by the noisy crowd and immediately
struck back. After pressing Maukinhill back for the opening minutes the Bilgers
drove forward on the left. Falconer combined with Tait to cross where the ball ended
up deflecting into Michael LUMSDENs path and the nippy winger took a touch
before smashing a stunning 25yard drive into the far top corner of Rossiters net.
The complexion of the game had now changed and Invercairns younger legs were
starting to tell in the game, another Invercairn chance came on 69mins. Patterson
driving from deep played the ball wide to sub JJ Sim, the winger showed great skill
to skip past two Maukinhill players but his goal bound shot was blocked on the line
by Jamieson.
Maukinhill became more direct as the half wore on and they tired, yet Bilger keeper
Del Testa had to be at his best again when he brilliantly blocked Greenes point
blank effort on 78mins after a long ball had caught out the Invercairn rear-guard.
Both sides saw half chances come and go before the referee blew for full time.
The first half of extra time came and went with little incident. The final 15mins were
action packed.
A stunning 30secs eventually settled the game when on 109mins Maukinhill looked
to have won it when Bolans cross saw Greene turn Cowie inside the box and shoot
at goal, Del Testa again superbly blocked only for the ball to drop back to Greene,
with only Falconer on the line and the goal gaping, incredibly he shot wide. Del Testa
immediately clipped the goal kick out wide to sub Blair Watson and his 50yard run
from the half way line saw him burn Lennox before being brought crashing to the
ground inside the penalty area by Jamieson for a penalty.
James GIBB coolly stepped up to blast past Rossiter and ignite manic celebrations.
The drama was not over and Bilgers cause was helped as the oppositions Gray
picked up a second yellow card and was ordered off on 115mins. Invercairn created
more chances with subs MJ Patterson and Gauld combining late on but Rossiter was
equal.
Incredibly Maukinhill almost snatched an equaliser at the death as they loaded the
box and a long ball eventually dropped to sub Harrison and his volley from 16yards
was fingertipped by Del Testa onto the underside of the bar with the ball bouncing
down onto the line and then desperately hacked clear by Cowie to Invercairns great
relief.

Referee Garrety blew the final whistle on a frenetic match thereby confirming that it
would be Invercairn Uniteds name that would be etched on the trophy.
Speaking to The Herald amid chaotic scenes, Invercairn captain Sean Cowie said,
Its incredible, I cant take this in! Twelve months ago we had just begun our league
campaign in the second tier and now? We are Scottish champs, its just amazing. A
great achievement for the club.
Invercairn United: Del Testa, Walker, Falconer, Patterson, Cowie, Noble, Lumsden,
Reid, Gibb, Whyte, Tait.
Subs: MJ Patterson, Gauld, Watson, Sim, Anderson.