Thorn fight back for second chance at semi-final spot
Plucky Johnstone side hang on to their Hampden dreams
Craig Ritchie Brave Thorn Athletic fought back from two goals down to within inches of booking a Scottish Amateur Cup semifinal spot.
A crowd of more than 300 saw the Johnstone side trail Ayrshire rivals Shortlees by two goals midway through the first half at Grange Academy in Kilmarnock.
But, with their Hampden dream hanging by a thread, goals from Tom Smith and John Hay sparked a remarkable turnaround to earn a 2-2 draw.
And late chances for Liam Allen and Jordan Devine could even have seen James Donnelly’s men grab victory. The teams will now have to do it all again in what is shaping up to be a Easter cup cracker at Renfrew Juniors’ Western Park on Saturday.
Thorn had travelled in good spirits, sitting top of the Caledonian Premier League and with the opportunity to reach the last four of the national cup competition for the first time ever.
An early blow came when full- back Stuart McCann limped off with a knee injury to be replaced by midfielder Hay.
And their hopes were soon dented further when Richard Mullen netted to put Shortlees ahead, sparking wild celebrations in the home support.
Minutes later it was two when Ryan McRoberts bagged a second not long after the celebrations had stopped for the opener.
It looked like an uphill struggle for Thorn, who had settled into the match well and spurned a chance seconds before through Smith’s one on one at the other end. However, Smith was to provide the boost required four minutes later when he worked his way across the edge of the box trying to find a yard. And when he did he somehow managed to direct a shot back across the keeper into the corner.
That sparked joyous scenes on the Thorn bench and among the sizeable travelling support.
At half time it was a case of being patient for Thorn, who had fought their way back into the tie.
And the second half proved to be equally exciting as the match raged from end to end with a number of half chances for each team.
Thorn had grown in confidence and got their rewards with 20 minutes to go. A ball from wide somehow found its way through the box and reached Hay at the back post who drilled a low shot into the net.
That brought wild celebrations all the way up the visiting touchline as the away support sensed more. A great save from Thorn keeper Sean Patrick kept it level before chances for Allen and Devine to clinch the tie went a begging.
Now the teams go head-to-head again this week and boss Donnelly hopes his side can keep their performance levels high.
He said: “We showed fantastic character to come back from two down in a tie of this magnitude.
“In the second half we really played much better and could have won the tie had we been more clinical. That said, they are a dangerous team and also had their chances.
“It all sets up a fantastic prospect on Saturday and hopefully we can get similar backing for the game.”
Kick-off at Western Park is 1.30pm and the club are hopeful as many people as possible will get along on the bank holiday weekend to give the side the best chance of reaching the last four.