MEADOW EDGE PAST BANKIES

Stewart McConnell 1526 - 1526 • Published 20 May 2009 12:14 0 Comments

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Irvine Meadow 1 Annbank 1 AET (Meadow win 5-4 on pens)

HEROIC goalkeeper Michael Wardrope saved a penalty in a nailbiting shootout on Monday as Meadow edged out a patched-up Bankies side to advance to their second final of the season.

Chris Strain"s team will now meet the winners of next Monday"s other final four tie between last year"s beaten finalists Kilwinning Rangers and Auchinleck Talbot in the final.

As the home side dictated the pace of the game a corner-kick from Chris Strain Junior was headed over the bar by Chris Robertson in 17 minutes and three minutes later Zander Ryan slipped a fine through ball to Richie Barr, whose shot was scrambled away by a defender. Jaconelli teed up Richie Barr in 38 minutes but the former Cumnock striker"s rifling drive produced a stunning reflex save from McGarrity.

However, the deadlock was finally broken as Strain"s well flighted cross was headed home from six yards by Jaconelli.

In 71 minutes Turner shot wide from 20 yards with the keeper to beat.

Ten minutes before time it was all square as Barry McLaughlin and McGowan got into a muddle over a clearance and Wilson stole in to crash the ball low into the bottom corner from 20 yards.

Into the shootout and McKenzie and Crilly netted the first two kicks before former Meadow man had his effort saved by Wardrope. Home player Frank Haggarty and Steph McMillan both netted along with Zander Ryan and Michael McCann before home substitute Andy McLaren blasted home one of the finest spot kicks I have witnessed anywhere and Robbie McVey hit the target for Bankies. However Brian McGinty sealed victory with the last kick.

For the full report and match photos see this week's Sporttimes.

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