Leithen Rovers 4
Pencaitland 6
WADDELL CUP FINAL
PENCAITLAND gained some revenge for their South Cup and Border Cup defeats with a superb comeback against Leithen Rovers.
The East Lothian side had lost out to Rovers in the finals of both competitions this season, but the Division A champions proved too good at Greenlaw in this 10-goal thriller, with striker Dean Woods notching four goals.
The Innerleithen men were aiming for cup number three of the season, and it looked like more silverware was heading to Tweeddale with a bizarre opening goal on 13 minutes. Colin Smith’s 40yd lob should have been easily dealt with by Pencaitland’s Karim Hassam but with the sun in his eyes and Alan McMath bearing down on him, the keeper allowed it to find the net.
And Rovers went two ahead 27 minutes when McMath did well to hold off two challenges before scoring from a tight angle.
George Cunningham earned Pencaitland a way back into the game when he tumbled over keeper Chris Watson after his shot flew wide and Woods scored from the penalty spot.
McMath and Woods then traded goals to make it 3-2 to Rovers at half-time. Woods notched another two to put his side into the lead as Rovers defence proved as porous as a sieve.
Scott Sneddon and Cunningham also scored to leave the score 6-3 on the hour mark.
Rovers replied as Shearlaw shot wide and McMath was denied by a Hassam stop.
A John Mackie header gave Paul Graham side’s hope with 20 minutes remaining, but Pencaitland held on.
Leithen Rovers: C. Watson, C. Borthwick, G. Rathie, C. Smith, J. Mackie, T. Fleming, S. Swanston, C. Hope, S. Leitch, A. McMath, P. Shearlaw. Subs: S. Burton, R. Forrest, J. Boyd, J. Williamson, A. Jackson.