Dumbarton and Strathclyde United leave it late

Nov 21 2008 by Laura McLachlan, Lennox Herald (main ed)

A TEN-man Dumbarton and Strathclyde United side fought back from one down to seal their place in the Challenge Cup final on Saturday.

The top of the table cup tie was never going to be easy for United, and their opponents proved themselves a tough test at their home ground.

United struggled to hold possession early in the first half, thanks to some slack passing, and at times it was down to keeper James Docherty to keep them in it.

Despite the lack of possession, United could have taken the lead when Chris McGowan sent Kieran Mitchell through only for the keeper to touch the ball round the post.

A good breakaway from Oxgang gave them a well- deserved lead and United were punished further with a soft sending off and the loss of defender John Ward through illness.

The injustice of the half time score-line saw United come out fighting in the second period – with a quick goal from Shaun Slaven bringing them level.

A courageous midfield display from Chris McGowan, and Chris Law’s role as lone striker, played an important part in United coming back into the game as they did.

With extra time looming, an injury-time long ball into the Oxgang area fell perfectly for Connor Gibson who drilled a low shot into the net winning the match, and a well-deserved place in the final.

United: Docherty, McCollum, Murdoch, Ward, MacDonald, Gibson, McGowan, Diamond, Slaven, Mitchell, Law, Bloomfield, Wonnacott, McCleod.