Dynamo travelled to Saughton to face Bluebird in the semi-final of the Premier Division League Cup.
As these two teams met only two weeks ago, in the league, the game was bound to have a bit of edge to it and the early play certainly did.
Dynamo again tried to press Bluebird high up the park and just like the league game the plan worked a treat.
Dynamo opened the scoring after only 7 minutes. An Andy McGowan corner was flicked on by Sean McCormack and the goal machine that is Martyn Murray pounced to slam home from a few yards. Dynamo were flying and creating loads of chances down the left-hand side. Good pressing by the forwards and midfielders allowed Shaun Davidson to run in on goal, but he shot straight at the keeper. Next Davidson was charging towards the goal but tried to lay the ball into Alan Parker but the ball was cleared. It didn't seem that Davidson was having much luck.
Against the run of play, Bluebird equalised after 14 minutes. A nice ball inside Eamonn Reynolds was slammed high into the top corner and the game was all square. Bluebird seemed to take heart from this and slowly started to edge into the game. They forced keeper Cossetini into a few good saves, especially 1 from a well hit free-kick.
Dynamo weren't to be put off their stride and with Martyn Murray up front they were confident of scoring more. In the 31st minute another Andy McGowan corner was headed back across goal by Sean McCormack and again Murray knocked in from close range. The hat-trick followed in the 36th minute when a long ball from Eamonn Reynolds was missed by the defence. Despite being clipped by the defender Murray expertly lifted the ball over the keeper from 25 yards.
Dyanmo continued to dominate the rest of the half but couldn't add to their tally, despite the best efforts of Parker and co.
Half-time 3-1.
Dynamo started the 2nd half on fire!
An excellent corner from Eamonn Reynolds was headed home, from close range, by Shaun Davidson. Good persistance from Davidson as it seemed he would never score!
3 minutes later Davidson was brought down in the box and Eamonn Reynolds converted the penalty to put Dynamo into Easy Street.
Dynamo took their foot of the gas and crucially abandoned their high pressing game. They decided to allow Bluebird the ball and sit deep. This strategy seemed to invite presurre upon themselves and Bluebird soon got 1 back with the goal of the game. Bluebird decided to throw most of their players forward and pounded Dynamo with the high ball. As Dynamo were sitting too deep the chances started to come and Bluebird soon made it 5-3.
Marcello Cossetini was doing his best to keep out the opposition, including a wonderful tip over from a vicious shot from the left.
Bluebird got back to 5-4 in the 85th minute and Dynamo started to flap!
Eventually Dynamo managed to settle and started to pick Bluebird off on the break. A good move down the left sent Andy McGowan clear, he crossed to Martyn Murray who slotted the ball through the legs of the keeper and Dynamo were safely through to the final.
Still in injury time Dynamo sealed the game when a good break down the right found the ball at Murray's feet. He crossed for Craig Dilworth to slam home from 18 yards and send the Dynamo team and supporters into 7th heaven.
A great performance by Dynamo and they deservedly take their place in the final, which will be played on 5th May.
