As it seems accustomed for us in these cup competitions and especially against Livingston, Classics had another outing with Extra Time. If fitness is a question with our team then desire is surly the answer considering we have not played a game in how many weeks and to be able to go into extra time in each of the rounds of this cup must mean our players really want to put our name on this trophy.
Classics started the game in our 3-5-2 formation and took the game to Livingston from the off. Our passing was not up to scratch but with very few games played that was to be expected against a rampant Livingston outfit that have dismissed all that they have faced this season.
Once we took the lead from a very well taken goal from Glen McCalla, Classics seem to take their foot of the peddle and invited Livingston to take the game to them and Livingston did just that attacking from the left and right flanks, but solid defending especially from Tim Hope in the early stages kept Livingston at bay. However, the golden rule with football is if you let a team attack you enough at some point, they will score. A contentious offside goal drew Livingston level but you could not say a goal was not on the cards.
Lady luck seemed to be on our side with a couple of close calls, great saving from Mark Joseph and a gifted own goal which in all honesty came about when we finally decided to pressure the ball that ended up with them giving us the lead to make it 2-1. Livingston’s second goal was pure class even though we should had dealt and cleared the ball well before they scored their goal. That brought the score to 2-2 and with chances at either end, the game was again destined for extra time. This is the third time that we have gone to extra time with Livingston.
Extra time was similar to the first 90 minutes with chances at each end but neither team able to put the ball in the back of the net so penalties were the order of the day.
The week before we practiced penalties so the guys must had had a feeling this was going to happen today. One by one, Classics stepped up and calmly put their penalties away. It is unfortunate that Gary from Livingston missed his pen as he is a great player but that is how football goes and somebody has to lose. This time it was Classics that triumphed and on to the final we go to play Livingston’s Reserves, @ Suttons FC ground on 13th May.
Well done boys!!!
