Tynecastle Star vs Cabrera Ath
As predicted in our previous report this Second Round Second Leg tie of the Stead and Simpson Cup was to be another hard fought affair with Cabrera eager to protect their slim advantage at Tynecastle’s Peffermill home.
The tinkerman named a Cabrera side with only two changes from the first leg, bringing in David Henderson on the right wing and reinstating Phil Meldrum up top.
The pace of these two players added to that of Wille Manson on the left flank was to be a constant thorn in the side of the Tynecastle side who although keen to press forward in numbers were always wary of leaving themselves exposed at the back.
The first half resumed where the previous leg had left-off with both teams cancelling each other out across the pitch and keeping good clear-cut chance to a minimum.
When chances did come both keepers were more than capable of dealing with the danger, although Ross Allan did lend a hand in the Cabrera box, and may feel fortunate that he never conceded a penalty for his spectacular point-blank save!
As play raged on, the nervous silence of the Cabrera side was punctuated by the constant moaning from the pre-menstrual Gary Morrison. The team will be hoping that he gets a ride in the post-season trip to Newcastle and that this will maybe help cheer up their own answer to Victor Meldrew.
The only other incident of note in the first half was the injury to Cabrera top scorer Gogs Falconer. The player who has been in devastating form this season appeared to pull up with a hamstring injury and everyone at the club will be hoping it eases off in time for the league visit to Leith Star this coming Saturday.
Half Time: Tynecastle Star 0 – Cabrera Ath 0
With the sun beating down referee Jim Millar whistled to commence the second half and it was apparent Tynecastle were to go all out in an attempt to break down the Cabrera defence and find that crucial away goal.
Operating with one holding midfielder in front of a back three, the Cabrera quartet of Allan, Jamieson, Mitchell and Campbell were prepared for a gruelling 45 minutes of backs to the wall football and so it proved.
However in the midst of the relentless Tynecastle attacks the Cabrera midfield twice carved out glorious opportunities for their attackers to put the game to bed once and for all. Their clever passing released both Wood and Meldrum through on goal but the strikers were unfortunate not to take advantage. Wood fizzing his clever lob only inches over the bar and Meldrum catching his shot just too sweetly and directing it straight at the opposition keeper.
So In the end the Cabrera defences remained resolute and they were maybe even slightly unfortunate not to pinch a goal for their efforts. A great team performance with everybody involved giving the clichéd 110% for the cause. Next, Danderhall at ‘Fortress’ Saughton in the third round, in what is now the team’s last opportunity for silverware this season. Needless to say everyone involved will be well aware how important it is to be on their game for this tie.
Full time: Tynecastle Star 0 – Cabrera Ath 0
Man of the Match – Steven McArthur. A great battling performance and never let the Tynecastle midfield settle with his constant harassing. Only blotted by a needless booking for dissent.
Muppet of the Match: Gaz Morrison. Again played the majority of the match on a booking and again this was for dissent. When his head’s on the game he is a great asset to the team but seems intent on topping the Disciplinary Hall of Shame this season.
rossco van der saar
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