Near miss against Victoria

Football

Langholm Legion 2
Selkirk Victoria 3

LEGION looked like they would reach a cup final for the second season in a row after scoring two goals within 15 minutes of the start of this Forsyth Cup semi-final.
They started brightly and within 10 minutes they were in the lead after a long throw from Andrew Paisley.
Dan Winter flicked the ball on and Jake Little’s blocked shot fell kindly to Lee Irving who finished from close range.
Five minutes later Legion were two goals up. Lee Irving’s head flick found Jake Little who timed his run to perfection and eased the ball past the advancing keeper.
Legion continued to enjoy the bulk of possession but, with 10 minutes of the half left, Selkirk pulled back a goal when their dominant centre half headed home a free kick.
In the second half Dan Winter had a goalbound strike blocked off the line and Brian Mattinson fired over in good position.
Selkirk pulled level after a long throw into the box. Keeper Ryan Cuthbert did well with a point-blank save but the rebound was tucked away.
The remaining minutes were played out and both teams headed for 30 minutes of extra time.
The first 15 minutes were all Legion and Jake Little came agonisingly close with two great opportunities, both from corners.
When Paisley bolted down the right flank, his cross fell to Scott Collins and with the goal gaping his shot sailed over the bar.
Five minutes into the second half Selkirk took the lead with a good passing move which was finished well.
Legion were now in panic mode and threw everything forward but Selkirk defended well and Legion mustered only one more decent chance but Winter’s strike sailed over the bar.
As the final whistle blew, a joyous Selkirk celebrated but the home side were dejected and a mixture of anger and frustration was evident.
Legion had blown a great chance to reach a final and on another day they may well have taken their chances but it was not be and the season has ended on a low.
The club would like to thank all the sponsors this season and the loyal supporters who attend most Saturdays and give great backing.
The season has ended in disappointment but, overall, their league position of fourth, if results go their way, will be the second highest the club has achieved so it’s definitely something to build on.
They will most probably compete in a very competitive Division A next year.

Team: R Cuthbert, A Paisley, I Little, C Ireland, C Ewart, L Irving, C Cuthbert, J Little, A Little, D Winter, B Mattinson. Subs: S Collins, B Rayson (used), C Pool, T Scott, A Wilson.

Match sponsor
Caroline & Callum Cuthbert.