Super-sub Shane earns cup replay
Thorniewood head east to try again
Thorniewood ..... 1 Bonnyrigg .......... 1 Super-sub Shane Jackson snatched a late equaliser to earn Thorniewood United a deserved Scottish Junior Cup third round replay against Bonnyrigg Rose.
Then, as the tie nudged its way into the closing minutes, he tried again with a drive from close range, but this time it crashed off a post and deflected past.
It was a very entertaining, industrious and positive performance from Thorniewood, who are on the road this weekend to tackle an East Premier League side that will be tackling their second replay in four days, having visited Dumbarton in the William Hill Scottish Cup on Tuesday night.
Saturday’s game was an allaction cup tie, with Chris Lennon producing the first goal threat in the seventh minute, with a breakaway and shot that was saved.
Chris Jackson then went close two minutes later, before Rose produced their first threat.
However, Bonnyrigg opened the scoring when Euan Moyes came out on top in a crowded goal area to head in at a corner.
That triggered a spell where Bonnyrigg had the edge, but right after the break Thorniewood turned the tables and looked more likely to score.
Stefan Law, Darren Bowie and Lennon went close with good efforts, before sub Shane Jackson squeezed the ball home amid a packed box.
Manager Andy Frame said: “Obviously a small club like ours coming up against a big club like Bonnyrigg means it’s going to be a hard game, but the boys were absolutely outstanding.
“I thought we deserved our draw, and could have nicked it in the end.
“That’s how good we can be, it’s just getting that consistency throughout the season.
“Chris Lennon is a top-quality striker, playing against a team of that standard, and he caused their defenders as much trouble as their strikers caused ours.”
Club captain Brendan Smith said: “I thought it was a great result for the boys – it was a difficult task against a side that drew with Championship side Dumbarton in a Scottish Cup tie.
“For us to match them was very encouraging, and I thought that chance at the end was going to trickle over the line.
“Now we have a tough trip ahead on Saturday, but we’re looking forward to it.”
The replay winners will play Kilsyth Rangers away. Carluke have been drawn at home to either Irvine Meadow or Darvel in the fourth round.