City gain revenge over Threave as Scott and Elliot goals cement cup final place

BACK in October, City's Scottish Cup hopes were dashed by a fine performance by Threave Rovers but the Capital side got their revenge over the Castle Douglas outfit in this tense South Regional Cup semi-final.

The match started at a blistering pace which never let up, with Rovers pumping ball after ball into the City box, but the visiting defence held firm and City keeper Andrew Stobie was in immaculate form.

Warren, Kerr, Struthers, Baty, Cook and Donley all had shots held, tipped or punched away, and, on 33 minutes, Warren shot into the side netting.

City had been looking dangerous on the break, with Ross, Gair and McFarland coming close, and went ahead in 42 minutes. Gair's corner was headed back across the goalmouth by Macnamara, and Ruairidh Scott nodded in from close range.

The City men were stronger in the second half, and went further ahead eight minutes after the restart when 18-year-old James Elliot snapped in a square ball from Kenny Ross. Rovers immediately counter-attacked, Donley forcing a brilliant one-handed save from Stobie. As Threave desperately pressed for a goal they left themselves exposed at the back, and only a superb tackle from Patterson prevented Elliot getting City's third in 86 minutes.

City co-manager Gary Jardine praised his players' effort and commitment. "We've played a lot better this season and lost or drawn, but our team spirit was there for all to see."

Threave Rovers: Parker, Green, Kerr, Patterson, Bell, Struthers, Baty, Dunglinson, Donley, Cook, Warren. Subs: Fingland, Milligan, P.Middlemiss, G.Middlemiss, Benson.

Edinburgh City: Stobie, Dingwall, Scott, Macnamara, Harrison, Vanson, Howat, Gair, R Ross, McFarland, Black. Subs: Stenhouse, Wilson, Elliot, K.Ross, Mackintosh.

Threave Rovers 0

Edinburgh City 2