Published: Wednesday, 18th June, 2008 3:12pm

Last gasp agony

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Clark Drive 2 v 3 Hurlford Thistle

A HOTLY disputed late goal saw Drive denied a trophy double after the Irvine men had battled back from 2-0 behind at New Peeble Park on Friday night.

The game began at whirlwind pace and was end-to-end throughout. Hurlford hemmed Drive in during the opening exchanges but were fortunate to survive in 10 minutes after Graeme Hamilton glanced his header over the bar.

However moments later Drive were fishing the ball out of the net after Greig Gilroy split their defence with a perfectly weighted pass to Alan Hunter who slid in to stab the ball home from 12 yards.

On the half hour mark Ford went two-up. Keeper Pollock saved the initial shot from Craig Parker but could do nothing about the rebound as Gilroy coolly helped the ball on its way via the underside of the bar.

At the end of the half Drive threw themselves a lifeline when Cripps rose unmarked to bullet home Barry Scott's inswinging corner.

Drive came out in the second-half determined to level the game and did so in 65 minutes when Reid calmly finished from just inside the box.

Hurlford went on to enjoy some concerted pressure and just as it looked the game was heading to extra-time up popped Hunter to snatch Hurlford the victory, with Clark defenders claiming in vain for offside.