Injury agony for Meadow goalie

The Medda number one saved a second half penalty and the rebound in the 1-0 quarter-final win against trophy favourites Bo’ness United but suffered a hand injury seconds later when a visiting player caught him. He went into hospital to have it checked out on Monday night.

However the goalie is hoping his side can now go all the way as they gear up for a two-legged semif-inalagainst near neighbours Hurlford United on the weekends beginning April 12 and 19.

Hall told Sporttimes after the game: “I was pleased with my performance but it was a real team effort. I was worried after saving the penalty that the rebound would creep in but luckily it didn’t. We defended brilliantly and it’s a great geeling to be in the semi-final especially since people did not expect us to do so well. Hopefully we can go one stage further and it would be great if we could bring back the trophy as it has been so long since we won it and it would mean a lot to the fans. Hard work has been the key to our good run, we have lost just once in 20 games.” Manager Stevie Rankin is hoping the big number one is back in action for Saturday’s home Premier Division clash with Clydebank and is awaiting news.

He told Sporttimes: “Stephen had a great game for us but the Bo’ness defender stood on his hand after the penalty save and he was being checked out on Monday at hospital. If it’s broken he could be out but hopefully it’s just heavy bruising and he will be fit for Saturday. If not Graeme Shepherd can step in.” Rankin was delighted to see his team progress but says the Hurlford clash will be equally difficult.

He said after the game: “It was a great performance and I’m delighted for the players and the people who came along to support us. The players worked hard all week in training on special routines organised by the assistant Murdie MacKinnon and they adapted well to them. Everything we did was much more high tempo.

"It’s great to reach the semi-finals but it will be just as tough as Hurlford are a good side. Darren Henderson knows a lot about our side and we know a lot about his team so we look forward to the ties and we have a big incentive to get through.” The semi-final can be played on Saturday, April 12 and 19 or Sunday, April 13 or 20, and the clubs are currently in discussions to see which dates would suit best.

Meanwhile Meadow are now fully focused on the weekend league match against Bankies.

Rankin added: “We are looking to win the game. Auchinleck are favourites to win the league buy hopefully there will be a slip from them.” Midfielder Mark Thomson remarked: “We want to go and win the cup. But we are not out of the league and if there are any slips from Talbot we will be right behind them picking up points.” Meadow striker Scott Sally, who has been unable to secure a regular starting place, has moved to Bellshill Athletic.

IRVINE VICTORIA co-boss Iain McMillan saluted his side as they stayed on track for promotion with a 5-0 demolition of Ardrossan Winton Rovers away from home. But he refuses to get carried away.

The Westenders host leaders ARDEER THISTLE, whom they trail by four points with three games in hand, in a mouthwatering game on Saturday.

McMillan said: “That was one of our best performances and we dominated the game. It was great to have another clean sheet. But we are taking it a game at a time. Ardeer have been going well but we are looking to win the game.” Defender Stefan Johnstone (stomach injury) is still out. Midfielder Ryan McKay, who joined on loan from Troon at the turn of the year, has been permanently signed until the end of the season.

KILWINNING RANGERS have signed young Albion Rovers centre-half Martin Maguire until the end of the season ahead of their visit to promotion- chasing Shotts Bon Accord on Saturday.

However Craig Potter, who had been on the transfer list, has signed for Super First Division rivals Troon FC.

Chairman Danny Watt said: “Martin is a good young prospect and should do well.”