Boys dig deep to make final
Published 3 May 2012 09:30
RENTON Craigandro progressed to the League Cup Final after a tremendous comeback inspired by their captain Nicky King.
The skipper turned the game on its head with a piece of individual brilliance and then drove his team forward to win the game when all looked lost.
Craigandro started the game well and could have gone ahead after five minutes when a Biddulph clearance caused panic in the Goldenhill back line, but the keeper cleared the ball.
Renton kept up the pressure and could have gone ahead on a number occasions.
But it was the visitors who eventually opened the scoring when Goldenhill's number 9 went on a mazy run, only to be crudely brought down in the box. The penalty was cooly slotted into the net.
Renton's management re-jigged the team, by bringing back midfield dynamo Devine to deal with the pacey Goldenhill forwards and pushing skipper King further forward to stifle the Goldenhill midfield.
On the quarter hour mark Renton levelled the match when Biddulph found King.
The skipper swivelled and fed Connolly wide left, the winger bravely won the ball before sending in a cross that striker Henderson slotted home without breaking his stride to finish of a lovely move and bring Renton back into the game.
This goal invigorated the young Craigandro sideand five minutes before the break Devine broke down a Goldenhill attack and the set Gray free. The full back charged forward and then switched play to Connolly who avoided one tackle before sending in a cross that striker Henderson despatched with ease past a stagnant Goldenhill defence to make it 2-1.
Renton started the second half on fire and should have gone further in front, but Tevendale, O'Malley and Henderson's efforts where all cleared .
Renton seemed to be all on top but a sucker punch break away by Goldenhill allowed them to level the scores.
Before Renton could draw breath they found themselves behind when another break away from a Renton corner was converted by Goldenhill. It was then captain King who produced a moment of magic to pull his side level.
He picked the ball up 20 yards out and rather than shoot first time, dinked the ball over the first tackle and then before it hit the ground crashed in an unstoppable effort.
With 10 minutes to go Craigandro went ahead when King was upended in the box after a fantastic run.
Up stepped Renton's Devine who took no chances and powered in a low shot to the left of the keeper.
Team: Furphy, Gray, Timney, Biddulph, King (Captain), Cameron, Tevendale, Devine, O'Malley, Connolly, Henderson, Neeson, Moir, McGovern, Cowan, McNab.
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