Tullibody turn screw on AVU in second-half blitz

Published on Saturday 1 May 2004 01:00

AVU were left down and out in their Visual Services East of Scotland Cup semi-final at rain-soaked Saughton Enclosure, crashing out of this major event when losing 4-1 to a good Tullibody outfit.

A downpour of rain at the start of the game made the surface greasy, with the ball skidding off the ground at times and making it hard for the players to control. Tullibody showed early on their ability to pass the ball well, while AVU concentrated on playing the ball up to their quick wingers.

In the end, it was the superior football from the Clackmannanshire side that won them the game. AVU opened the scoring when a great crossfield pass was collected by Martin Cairney on the right and the speedy player cut in behind the Tullibody defence to score.

That was in the 37th minute and, despite being under pressure for the remaining minutes of the first half, AVU still led 1-0 at the break.

A stinging lecture from their coach fired up Tullibody for the second half and they got an early equaliser when Colin Comrie fired home a great right-foot shot when AVU failed to clear the ball. In the 61st minute, Tullibody went 2-1 ahead and it was a disaster for AVU. A superb in-swinging corner from the left, taken by Bruce Totten - the son of the former Falkirk manager - crashed into the net at the far post, with AVU goalkeeper, Damon Melville, beaten by the speed of the ball and from then on, Tullibody were in control of the game.

A great passing move ended with Comrie outpacing the AVU defence before firing the ball past Melville from 12 yards out.

Trailing 3-1, AVU were under constant pressure and when Ronnie Travers slipped while trying to clear the danger in the goalmouth, the ball landed nicely for Comrie to complete his hat-trick and make the final scoreline 4-1.

Tullibody will now meet the winners of Monday night’s semi-final between Addiewell Hearts and Leith Athletic at Craigswood Stadium in Livingston and the final will be held at Almondvale Stadium in Livingston later in May.

AVU: Damon Melville, David Dickson, George Calder, Stuart Martin, Ronnie Travers, David Buchan, Martin Cairney, Marc Lothian, Mike Smith, Darren Mein, Kevin Logue, Lee Pyrkosz, Mark Paterson, Mark Cummings, Stephen Donoghue, Simon Riley.

Tullibody: Greig Maitland, Kevin McBrier, Chris McBrier, Colin McLeod, Graeme Press, Scott Gillanders, Colin Comrie, Bruce Totten, Kenny McGowan, Cornelius McAvoy, Stewart Crews, Donald Reynolds, Gary Preston, Cornelius Kennedy, Neil Mitchell, Steven Reynolds.

Referee: John Love (Airdrie).