Penicuik Ease to Cup against Stubborn Tranent

Penicuik Athletic deservedly lifted the DJ Laing East of Scotland Cup with a steady, if unspectacular performance, against a Tranent Juniors team who were always second best. The Super League team looked the more likely winners throughout and might well have won by a greater margin if they had turned possession into goals. Tranent staged a late rally as they chased the equaliser, but were finally defeated by a defensive blunder.

Holders and multiple East Of Scotland Cup winners, Tranent Juniors met McBookie.com East Super League third placed Penicuik Athletic at Prestonfield, Linlithgow in the 2017/18 Final of the D J Laing East of Scotland Cup. The “Belters” pulled off something of a shock in last season’s final at Bathgate when they defeated Bonnyrigg Rose on penalties. However, this year would be equally difficult against a Cuiky side, who have enjoyed a fine season. Tranent have had a mixed season and finished just above half way in the McBookie.com East Premier League. The sides met earlier in the season in the Fife and Lothians Cup at Forresters Park,Tranent where Penicuik ran out winners with the only goal of the game.

The sides kicked off on a warm afternoon but with threatening dark clouds in the distance and it was a Tranent who had the first chance with Paterson hooking an effort over his shoulder, but it was straight at Allison in the Penicuik goal. Tranent continued to have the better of the earlier exchanges and there was 8 minutes on the clock before Penicuik won a corner, but the header from Forbes’ cross was blocked. Just after the quarter hour Devlin had a chance for the belters but Forbes made the saving tackle and the resultant corner produced nothing. Penicuik then won a couple of corners in quick succession as they began to dominate possession. However, they were dealt a serious blow after 21 minutes when Kateleza was forced to leave the field  to be replaced by Sampson. The influential frontman had gone down early in the game and found it impossible to carry on. 

Penicuik had a good penalty shout turned down by referee Duncan Smith half way through the half when Christie appeared to handle but the whistler was right on the spot and turned away appeals. After 28 minutes, Athletic missed a great chance when Connolly saw his header slip agonisingly past the post, after he got on the end of a free kick - he really should have hit the target.

Penicuik were dominating the game and Tranent struggling to create anything going forward.

However the game was becoming bogged down in midfield and neither side were creating any real chances. 

The sides went in on level terms at the break but it had been a poor 45 minutes with little to engage the crowd- although one Penicuik supporter in the main stand was finding plenty to shout about!

Half Time   Tranent Juniors  0; Penicuik Athletic 0

Neither side made any changes at the turnaround and the hope in the crowd was that the second half would see the game catch fire.

Tranent were straight on the front foot in the second half and Miller headed a cross wide after 47 minutes.

Penicuik were a danger from set pieces and Connolly nearly got on the end of a corner after 49 minutes.

Tranent were clearly energised after the break and had three chances in as many minutes. Firstly, Fisher found Paterson with a cross but his shot was blocked. Next Fisher has a fine effort from outside the box tipped over before Hawkins clipped an effort just wide of the far post. 

With 55 minutes played, Penicuik won a free kick in a great position about 25 yards out, just right of centre. However, McCrory-Irvine sent his effort straight at Horne. 

Penicuik seemed to have weathered the Tranent post break onslaught and Sampson was nearly in after good interplay. 

With 61 minutes gone Penicuik got the goal the probably deserved. They won a corner and skipper HUME rose highest in the six yard box to head the ball home. Two minutes later they nearly doubled their advantage when goalkeeper Horne fumbled but he recovered. 

With 20 minutes remaining Somerville put a good cross for Penicuik but there was no one on hand to turn the ball in. 

After 72 minutes Paterson made way for Fairnir and Walker moved into a more advanced role for Tranent.

With a quarter of an hour remaining McCrory-Irvine shot wide after a free kick fell to him. As Tranent chased an equaliser Penicuik had more chances and Sampson slipped past Christie before shooting straight at the keeper. 

Walker was starting to create things for Tranent and his fine play on the right gave Fisher a great chance but Allison pulled off a fine save - a great opportunity missed and a match winning save. 

Penicuik then broke away but wasted the opportunity by taking too long. Tranent were finally looking like grabbing an equaliser before disaster struck. Substitute McCrorie was short with a throw in to keeper Horne and SOMERVILLE pounced to slip the ball home - an unfortunate error but it ended Tranent ‘s hopes with only three minutes remaining. 

Penicuik used their subs and ran the clock down to deservedly lift the cup. 

Penicuik looked the better, more accomplished side for long periods and Tranent offered little until Walker moved from right back to a more advanced role. Best for winners were all at the back and Walker caught the eye for a cautious Tranent. 

Full Time   Tranent Juniors 0;   Penicuik Athletic 2

Teams
Tranent Juniors

Tranent Juniors 

Horne, Walker, Hawkins, Christie, Smeaton, Fiddler, Miller, Fisher, Paterson, Devlin and McCallum Subs  Dowie ( GK) Fairney, Smith, McCrory, McMurdo,

Penicuik Athletic 

Allison, Forbes, MacDonald, Hume, Young, Connolly, McCrory - Irvine,Jones, Somerville, Kateleza and Ponton Subs  Hamilton, Williams, Sampson  Sinclair and Sproule

Referee

Duncan Smith

Assistants

Craig Macrae and Andrew Strang 

Fourth Official

Alastair Grieve

Gordon Baird

Neutral Reporter