McAleavy snatches final berth for Lothian Thistle

CHARLES McALEAVY capped a glorious comeback for Lothian Thistle when he scored deep into injury time to dump Tynecastle out of the East of Scotland League Cup at the semi-final stage after the being 2-0 down with 15 minutes remaining.

Garry Cherrie and Gareth Thom were the scorers for Tynecastle but Thistle pulled one back when Gerry Black scored a penalty after Wayne McIntosh was fouled after 75 minutes, before McIntosh smashed home the equaliser.

Tynecastle had been dealt a blow when Wayne Sproule was stretchered of with a broken leg after half an hour of play after an accidental collision with Lothian keeper Swain. Sproule went through one-on-one with Swain, both players committed to the tackle, and unfortunately Sproule suffered his fracture.

However, this seemed to spur Tynecastle into action and within minutes they were in front after some bad defending gifted Cherrie the ball at the back post and he smashed it into the net. A few minutes later, Tynecastle doubled their lead when Thom's perfectly placed shot beat Swain and went into the top corner.

With 15 minutes remaining McIntosh was fouled in the box and Garry Black converted the penalty sending Gilbertson the wrong way. McIntosh then got on the score sheet when he broke away and his powerful shot left Gilbertson with no chance. Then, deep in injury time, a cross was whipped into the Tynecastle box, Gilbertson spilled the ball and McAleavy had a had the simple task of putting the ball in the empty net.

Lothian manager Fraser Ogilvie said: "We had to dig in deep for the last 15 minutes and I am delighted with the team's fighting spirit. We look forward to meeting Spartans in the final."

• WHITEHILL WELFARE confirmed they will be runners-up in this season's Central Taxis Premier Division when they beat Heriot-Watt University 2-0 thanks to second-half goals from captain Ross Johnston and trialist Keiran Provan.