Halkirk FC - Reports, Results & Photos - Season 2008-2009

David Allan Shield - Semi-Final - 07/07/08
Halkirk 1 - 2 Swifts - (after extra time)

Blocks

Our hopes of reaching the final of the Davie Allan Shield were dashed by the league leaders in a hard fought game which went to extra time. Nige was unable to field the side that beat the Swifts in the previous round with Adamson a late call-off, so Blocks came in to take his place in the only change.

We started the game brightly and almost went in front twice in the opening ten minutes following good set piece deliveries from Gavin.  Bainer flashed a volley just over and Spike had his goal bound effort blocked following a goalmouth scramble.

The visitors looked edgy in the opening spell and we were much the better side but couldn't make our advantage count and they gradually worked their way into the game.

They took the lead just before the half hour mark when Poop was beaten by a 20 yard free kick. This goal lifted them and rather deflated us and we were fortunate to go in at the break only one down as we seemed to lose our shape and composure. Saying that, we almost got level shortly before half time but Stevie C's long range shot was well saved.

Half Time 0 - 1

We re-grouped at the break, came out and played really well in the second half in what turned out to be a real end to end cup tie.

We were just about able to match them physically and started to enjoy success with Stevie C and Kitten running from the middle of the park.

eBiGH should've got back on level terms when Gav flighted a free kick to the back post, where Bainer met it to head it back across goals to Stevie C, but he took a fresh air swipe at the ball when perhaps a little more composure was needed. We kept on battling away though and got the goal our play deserved.

Strong running from Kitten saw him feed Spike, who in turn played the ball to Blocks about 30 yards out, he unleashed an unstoppable 30 yarder into the postage stamp and left their keeper with no chance.

Both teams went for it before the end of regulation time looking for a winner and Poop had a couple of decent saves but we appeared to be the stronger and fitter side with some JOG players looking dead on their feet. We couldn't make the breakthrough though and the game went into extra time.

Full Time 1 - 1

We fell behind quite early in the first period when poor play allowed one of their midfielders to run unchallenged from the halfway line. Although his shot was blocked, the ball fell kindly to one of his team-mates 10 yards out who was able to pick his spot past Poop.

Our heads dropped for a while after this and it wasn't really until the second period that we got back into the game.

We almost got level when Spike kept the ball alive from a free kick and got the ball to Bainer, but his goal bound shot hit a defender on the line and the ball was cleared.

Rusty then forced a good save from their keeper with a long range effort but it started to look like the goal wasn't coming.

JOG probably should've increased their lead with a couple of counter attacks as we took chances and went man-for-man at the back but they couldn't score the goal which would've put the game beyond us.

Although it wasn't a dirty game, it was hard and physical and the referee booked several players. Unfortunately for us, his last booking was a second for Spike with about five minutes remaining and he was sent off and with him went our chances of taking the tie to penalties.

A great effort from the lads and a really sore one to take, getting knocked out by the league leaders after extra time. We did well to take them that far after falling behind and with a bit more luck we might even have won the game in regulation time. We didn't though and have to congratulate our opponents and wish them luck for the final as they showed great battling qualities and a good will to win. We have a chance to avenge this defeat immediately as we host them in league on Wednesday in a game which is more important than the cup as we need the three points.

Go Wildcat's!!

report provided by Liam Bremner

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