The Pink



OLD INN PAY THE PENALTY AS PENICUIK SECURE CUP WIN PENICUIK travelled to Dunfermline on Saturday to play Old Inn Amateurs in the Soccer World Scottish Amateur Cup, writes RORY WOOD. The game started with Penicuik playing down the slope with the wind at their backs. The home side however went into a surprise lead after three minutes when the Penicuik defence failed to clear and the centre prodding home from close range. That spurred on the visitors who began to use the windy conditions to their advantage and after 20 minutes Undagoitia went close with a volley from a Hancock cross. Chances were beginning to come for Penicuik and Brian McGarry scooped a ball over the bar from another cross from the right by Bradford after 20 minutes. The home side were a fairly physical side with some fairly heavy challenges not penalised. However, after 24 minutes, McGarry was felled in the box and a penalty awarded. Hancock stroked the ball home to the keepers left to bring the visitors level. The pressure was all coming from Penicuik whose short passing game was a delight to watch at times. After 35 minutes another good move down the right saw Bradford cross which was met strongly by Brian McGarry who powered an unstoppable header to give Penicuik a 2-1 lead. It was all one way traffic at this point in the game as Old Inn could not get out of their half and another header from McGarry came back off the post. Bradford was having a field day down the right and shortly before half time he slipped his marker to strike a firm shot which the goalkeeper did well to turn past for yet another corner. Half time 2-1 to Penicuik. The second half started with Penicuik playing into the wind and rain but their style of play meant the ball was holding up well for them and after another attack saw McGarry with another header going close. The home team continued with their heavy tackles and it was no surprise when another penalty was awarded to Penicuik after another rash challenge in the box. Hancock dispatched this one as before giving Penicuik a two goal lead. Penicuik were playing some terrific football and Old Inn found it difficult to get the ball at times. When they did get the ball all they tried to do was lump it downfield by the Penicuik defence was handling everything with ease. After 67 minutes the contest was over as McGarry scuffed a shot which found the net via the far post. Most of Penicuik's moves started from keeper Clark who will have busier days to come. Hancock skimmed the bar with free kick on the left after 70 minutes but Penicuik were content to play out the remainder of the match denying Old Inn any opportunities to get back in and the game ended 4-1 to Penicuik. Penicuik - Clark, Latta, S McGarry, Mitchell, Walker, Bradford, Slater, Montgomery, Undagoitia, Hancock, B McGarry, Simmonds, Gemmell, Ireland, Cole.