Rovers progress in South Cup following Middlemiss hat-trick
Published 8 Jan 2013 09:30
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CARLUKE BAPTISTS ............3
GALA ROVERS .......................4
GALA Rovers made the 130 mile round trip last month to face Carluke Baptists in the second round of the South of Scotland cup.
The game started fast. Carluke scored twice in the opening five minutes stunning the visitors.
The Rovers were out of shape and were trying to adapt to the game. Middlemiss managed to pluck a goal back after 22 minutes giving the Rovers a handle back onto the game. Good build up play allowed Jardine to net the second for the visitors bringing the score level.
The Rovers were awarded a penalty minutes before the half time whistle blew but Sutherland's attempt rattled of the post.
Ten minutes into the second half Carluke took the lead again following some mistakes made in the middle of the park and at the back with misjudged passing.
During the game Steven King - the Casillas of the Border Amateur league - was the Rovers saviour, making unbelievable saves and preventing the score line increasing.
Middlemiss drew the score line equal again on the 76th minute with a header following a cross into the box from Steven Noble. The score line was equal at 90 minutes.
Into the first half of a nervy 15 minutes extra time Carluke had plenty chances and it seemed they were likely to take the lead but the score was still equal when the sides switched ends for the last 15.
Middlemiss completed his hat-trick in the second half of extra time when the keeper came of his line clipping it past him and rolling the ball into the back of the net.
The Rovers were in the lead with eight minutes go. Macdonald came on for Middlemiss and created a chance in the box but the shot was sent wide.
Carluke came close to scoring in the last minutes of the game but the Rovers were let of when the shot was driven over the bar.
Following the game Assistant manager Ryan Cass said: "It wasn't our best performance of the season, but we showed great work rate and fighting spirit. Looking forwatd to the next round of the South."
Gala Rovers: S.King, D.Leckie, S.Noble, S.Greene, S.Clark, J.Collins, A.Hardie, K.Collins, C.Jardine, D.Sutherland, C.Middlemiss. Subs: C.Macdonald, B.Noble
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