Caledonian Braves vs Dunipace

The Braves crashed out of the South Regional Challenge Cup at the Quarter-Final stage as East of Scotland side Dunipace ran out 1-0 winners. The game took a while to get itself up and running.

The visitors would make the first real effort at goal after some nice play shot was fired over the bar. Ross McNeil put in a dangerous cross as the Braves brought themselves into the game but the goalkeeper gathered up well.

In-Form Neil McLaughlin had the ball in the back after doing well to beat his man and finish well but was adjudged to be offside in looked like a very tight call. Dunipace began to create chances again it would be them who opened the scoring.

From back to front the ball was launched forward, midfielder Liam Craig did very well to take the ball down, cut inside along the 18 yard box and thunder a shot past Alex Marshall .

Straight away veteran David Winters had a powerful effort saved and Neil McLaughlin thundered a long ranger over the bar. Dunipace had an excellent opportunity to double their lead but a fine save from Marshall kept the Braves in the game.

The second half half started with McNeil going close and and a Dunipace effort cleared from the Braves goal line.

The match would effectively end as a contest on the hour mark as McLaughlin was shown a straight red card for a lunge into the back of a Dunipace player as he was about race away on the attack. McNeil clattered into the keeper as he attempted to catch onto a forward pass as Marshall was again there to make an important save as Dunipace fizzed one towards his goal.

Serge Makofo tried his hardest to create opportunities late in the second half but a stubborn Dunipace defence kept the winger from having any real chances. Late on a dangerous long ball was almost directed into the Dunipace net by their own player.

His header towards the keeper just missed the post as it went out for a corner. A really disappointing result for the Braves as they exit the cup at the last eight stage.

The Braves have no competitive fixture next week. They return to action on Saturday 21st March when Spartans make a trip to Alliance Park in the Lowland League.