Queen of the South vs Caledonian Braves

A late double courtesy of Aiden Clocherty and Cammy Breadner was enough to secure our place in the semi final of the Southern Counties Cup, for the third straight season!

Our opposition at Palmerston was a youthful Queen of the South XI, who contributed to the affair with some attractive play throughout.

After over a week without a game, Ricky Waddell restored Robbie Stewart to the starting eleven at left-back, whilst Matty Collins completed an attacking midfield duo alongside Scott Cusick. There was also a first appearance on the bench for teenager Leo McCartney, who would enter the game after an hour for his debut.

The first chance of the game would drop to the hosts, who stung the gloves of Bernie White who did well to parry at the near post. Despite moving the ball nicely, Queen's wouldn't threaten the Braves goal again throughout the half.

Matty Collins would have our first chance after 12 minutes, digging a low left-footed strike wide from 20 yards. 

The young Queen's 'keeper would then show his quality, when he reacted superbly to push away a Dan Martins strike from close range, after the centre-back peeled off to the back post from a corner. Ross McNeil would also be thwarted, when a low strike from the striker was saved by the keeper who spread his body impressively.

Kristian Gkegka would replace Scott Cusick in the midfield at half time, with the Greek providing invaluable tenacity to the team in the second half.

However, the Doonhamers would have the first chance of the half. A cross from the right wing was well met in the middle by a powerful header which was flying goalwards, but from out of nowhere, Bernie White flew across to make an unbelievable save. Top class from Bernie!

Throughout the game, Cammy Breander was a constant nuisance down the left flank throughout the game, coming close on a number of occasions. 

With 77 minutes on the clock, it was down this channel where the Braves would find space, when Kristian Gkegka made a burst from midfield. The Greek sent the ball low to Aiden Clocherty, who controlled and fired home with a low left footed strike into the bottom of the net!

With our opposition on the back foot, the Braves would take full control of this momentum swing in their search to kill the game. Just three minutes later, Robbie Stewart popped a throw into the feet of Cammy Breadner, who weaved between numerous defenders before threading the ball low into the goal to double our lead!

With ten minutes left on the clock and the Braves up by two, there was no time for our hosts to mount a comeback as the Braves deservedly saw out the victory.

We'll advance to the semi-finals of the competiton, but up first will be the visit of Edinburgh University in the Lowland League this weekend!