Published: Wednesday, 16th April, 2008 14:50
CUP HEROES
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Campbell Money has heaped praise on his Nock stars after they reached the final of the Scottish Junior Cup for the first time in nearly 20 years.
An extra time double from teen striker Graham Wilson and another goal for free-scoring Ritchie Barr helped the Townhead Park club beat Thornton Hibs and book their place in the showpiece final on June 1 at Rugby Park.
Cumnock will face either Pollok or Bathgate in that big game. Both those giants face each other this weekend in the second semi final , to be held at Broadwood Stadium, Cumbernauld.
Saturday's cup triumph for Nock was watched by a large crowd of the Cumnock faithful, who travelled to Cumbernauld to cheer on their stars.
But the signs weren't good early on as midfielder John McLay injured himself in the warm-up and had to be replaced.
Cumnock missed a penalty late on in the game when Wilson was hauled down in the box by Hibs keeper Stuart Hall, who was ordered off by referee Bobby Madden as a result.
And with the Fife side having no recognised outfield keeper, midfielder Russell Brown was forced to deputise in between the sticks. But Ritchie Barr saw the spot kick saved.
However, Nock clinched it in extra time as Hibs faded.
But while Money was singing his stars praises, he now knows his side are in a real battle to avoid the drop, highlighted by a Tuesday night league defeat to Beith.
Nock now face some key league fixtures between now and the end of the season to avoid either automatic relegation or a place in the dreaded play-offs.
TO SEE THIS FULL STORY, GET YOUR COPY OF THIS WEEK'S CUMNOCK CHRONICLE.
