Heartbreak for Selkirk in Lowland League Cup final

By Callum Hodgson
at Netherdale

SELKIRK were unable to claim their first Lowland League Cup on Sunday despite getting off to flying start in Galashiels.

David Banjo opened the scoring for the Souters, but a second half brace from Sean Brown and a goal from Craig Murray sent the trophy Cumbernauld’s way.

The Colts had to play almost an hour of the game with ten men after Scott Davidson was sent off for a handball.

But the Yarrow Park side couldn’t take advantage in front of a packed Netherdale crowd.

Selkirk boss Ian Fergus said: “I am a little disappointed because I didn’t think we performed the way we can perform. Even at 1-0 up I was never comfortable.

“I said when their guy got sent off this could be a disaster for us because it could galvanise them.

“All credit to Cumbernauld, that’s the best 10-man performance I have seen. They battled throughout the afternoon.

“We had a few good chances to make it 2-0 but we didn’t take them and when they scored I thought the writing was on the wall for us. It’s really fine margins at this level of football.”

Selkirk took the lead in the 23rd minute in what was the game’s first real chance.

Former Hearts man Dale Baxter whipped in a corner from the left which was met by Banjo who headed home.

But just moments later Cumbernauld could have been level, however Brown struck the post with his effort.

The Broadwood side were dealt a blow five minutes before the interval when Davidson was given two quick-fire yellow cards.

He handled he ball after Gavin Lachlan looped a corner into the box, leaving referee Steven Reid no option but to give the defender his marching orders.

The Colts delivered dangerous crosses all afternoon and came close again in first half stoppage time when Lachlan flung a ball into the area, but Murray headed wide at the far post.

The Souters created some good chances in the early stages of the second period with Addison and substitute Jordan Hopkinson having opportunites.

However in the 73rd minute the Colts were given hope when Brown burst down the right and powered the ball past Gregor Amos to level the scoring.

But Selkirk didn't give up.

Baxter forced a good save from Ronan Fallens from outside the box and Sean McKirdy had a good chance but his effort was blocked by Jordan Marshall from about eight yards out.

But the game was turned on its head when Colts sub Conor McKenzie charged down the right hand side and shot across Goal.

Amos made a strong save, but Murray was on hand to tap in the rebound.

And Selkirk’s cup dreams were dashed two minutes before the end when Brown burst past Ciaren Chalmers and slotted the ball into the net.

Selkirk: G Amos, R Sclater, R Donaldson (J Hopkinson 87), A Fleming, D Healy, C Chalmers, P Addison, D Banjo (L Turkington 78), D Baxter, S McKirdy, R King (J Hopkinson 55). Not used: M Christie.