SCOTT GILMOUR THE ULTIMATE HERO OF HEROES Shawlands 4 Wolves 4 (3-4 pens) Played at the Greenfields football centre, this West of Scotland cup tie attracted a crowd of about 16. Thats a pity, for had its highlights been on the tele Im sure it would have pulled in millions of viewers. What? you might ask. Well, lets just say, it wasnt for the feint hearted - it had everything but the kitchen sink. In a dour first half when both keepers hadnt a save to make, Shawlands had the best of the opening 15 minutes as far as possession went, and Wolves dominated the remainder. As I suggested, there was little goal mouth action, but in midfield it was a gruelling battle with both sides not willing to give an inch. The second was much the same up until the 70th minute when Shawlands took the lead with a fine header. Wolves werent too bothered, the belief was still evident that they could take something from the game. But only 60 seconds later the mood changed when Shawlands netted number two with another header from a cross the Wolves defence should have dealt with better. Picture the scene now, dejection, shoulders drooped, heads bowed - silence. And, as far as yours truly went, it was game over. Its a good job Im not running the team, though. For the Wolves management didnt feel the same as me, as they rallied their troops from the sidelines. AND made an immediate tactical change after the second had went in. Centre back Grant Valentine was subbed with powerhouse Lee Gibson going on in his place. Stevie McKinnon was moved from left back to an attacking left midfield roll and Gibson when in at left back. Three, five, two now - all caution thrown to the wind. Gibson proceeded to bully the Shawlands attack and they were soon running for cover (literally). He saw a lot of the ball and his educated left foot was causing all sorts of problems for the home defence. Pass after pass pinged up the left flank for the pacey McKinnon to get onto. Wolves were on top again, shot after shot reigning in on the nervy Shawlands keeper, who fumbled more than a few attempts at him. But still the ball wasnt finding the net and the clock was spinning round faster and faster. On the 75th minute, Barry Nelson, whod been moved up top from a midfield role during the transition period, was brought down in the box ...penalty! Two - one, Boab Hanvey easily converting to give the Wolves the shot in the harm they so badly needed. The pressure continued - one way traffic towards the Shawlands goal. Tick tock, eighty on the clock. Hanvey tries to beat a wall of defenders in front of him in the box. Down he goes, and hey, oh, penalty! Nails being bitten on the sidelines and some looking away. But cool as you like Boab blasts it home to make things all square. No time for any wild celebrations. Davie Rocks charges in on the ball after the penalty, pulls it out from the net and literally sprints back to centre spot, screaming encouragement to his team mates....were gon for another, cmon Wolves! Get intae thum! Something had to give, Wolves had went from being reduced to a flock of lost lambs to, well, ball hungry wolves! And it certainly did in the 87th minute. But, surprisingly, it was Shawlands who somehow found the energy for one last trip up the park to net what had to be the certain winner. And boy oh boy, how they celebrated. Ah well, theres always the league I thought. Lee Gibson and captain Stuart Whitehill, in particular, had a different idea, as the both of them used every breath in their bodies to scream at their depressed and shattered team mates to keep on going. And how they responded! Straight from the kick off every thing was launched into attack. The ball being sent into the Shawlands box like a barrage of flack from a anti aircraft gun. (Melodramatic I know, but a fair description) Ninety minutes on my mobile phone clock. My portable chair folded up and a few tentative steps made in the direction of the club house.....and then there was Stevie McKinnon. A supa dupa Rocks corner, sublimely hit in-swinger, ten centre backs miss it, the goalie flaps, and there he is tucked right in at the back post, Stevie boy nods in to spark off celebrations, the likes Ive never witnessed before in my Wolves tenure. Extra time arrives and its Even Stevens for the most part as Shawlands find some reserve in their fuel tank. Second half begins and it looks as if the next goal is going to be the absolute certain winner as legs begin to wilt on both sides. Three minutes to go and Shawlands are awarded a corner, while the Wolves players and committee go mental, claiming the ball had went out for a shy. Subsequently, the ref allows the corner. And you can guess the rest - 4-3 Shawlands. Chair packed up again and more than a few steps taken towards the clubhouse. AND THEN, THERE WAS BOAB HANVEY. A long through ball baffles the Shawlands defence on the right, Hanvey picks it up twenty yards out. He has a defender on his tail as he homes in on an advancing keeper. God, it felt like time had stopped, as we all waited for the diminutive striker to pull the trigger. Bang, a rasping shot that beats the keeper all ends up - 4-4 in three minutes of added on time. Celebrations? Amazing, as everyone and their grannie, and my portable chair, raced towards wee Boab to mob him some 15 yards off the park in the middle of a swamp. Penalty kicks. Three - three, then down to sudden death. Captain Stuart Whitehill, cool as you like, smirk on the face, and boom Wolves take the lead. Shawlands number something, nervy as you like, dread on his face, and boom SCOTT GILMOUR, the ULTIMATE HERO as he superbly dives to his left to palm a well placed shot round the post. An incredible game, with both sides due immense credit for their efforts. Best of luck to a very sporting Shawlands team. They should do well in their Scottish Amateur FA Premier One League. In summing up, the tactical change, inspired by Duvit Mullen (says William) turned things around for Wolves. Lee Gibson, not exactly a regular starter, was given the managers man of the match, and no wonder - he should be a proud man. If this performance is anything to go by, I reckon, in terms of League business, its going to take an exceptional team to beat the never say die Wolves - thats my humble opinion, mind. The team on this momentous occassion was...Scott Gilmour, John Thomson, Grant Valentine, Stuart Whitehill, Steven McKinnon, Chris Hunter, David Rocks, Craig Rodgers, Barry Nelson, Craig McPherson, Bob Hanvey. Subs..Lee Gibson, Stevie Chau, Cameron Hale and Jordan Stevely (Nelson).
Posted on: Sun, 03 Nov 2013 17:27:05 +0000
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