Irving inspired by Lesmahagow’s moment of glory 24 years ago
LESMAHAGOW boss Rab Irving has told his players to go out and grab their chance to shine under the spotlight when they go up against Petershill in tonight’s Sectional League Cup semi-final showdown.
And if his youthful Gow playing charges are in need of inspiration then they only have to look to their 51-yearold gaffer who was in the far-flung Lanarkshire outfit’s midfield when they won the early season competition for the one and only time in their history back when it was called the Abercorn Builders Sectional League Cup. And as coincidence would have it, their 1994 triumph with a 2-1 win was against Petershill.
Irving recalled: “Clydebank’s old Kilbowie Park ground hosted the Final and Petershill went 1-0 up through a Billy Dalziel goal before Rocky Crichton got us back on level terms.
“It was a very evenly contested match that looked to be heading for extra time and penalty kicks until the normally safe as houses Peasy goalkeeper Gerry McLaughlin made a rare handling mistake and dropped a Sandy Robertson cross that allowed Willie Gillogely to tap the ball home from point blank range.”
He added: “That Gow side had to up their game to get the better of the Peasy and I cannot help but think more of the same is going to be required from my players.
“They have excelled and played out of their skins to beat higher league sides Shotts Bon Accord and East Kilbride Thistle just to make it through to this semi-final stage and now comes the opportunity to take on a Petershill that is by far the highest-ranking Junior team we have faced this season.
“The game represents a massive test for many of our young squad but we have prepared well and everyone is hoping we can put up a good showing in front of our own supporters.”
Petershill had an idle weekend that allowed assistant boss Paul Kelly to be in attendance at Craighead Park on Saturday as goals from Paul Woodlock and Kyle Weir earned Lesmahagow a 2-2 draw with Johnstone Burgh.
The Gow boss added: “They have strengths all over the pitch but we have match-winners of our own in the likes of Paul Woodlock.”