Fauldhouse’s last gasp Great Escape
St Andrews Utd ........ 0 Fauldhouse .............. 2
Love was certainly in the air as Fauldhouse United secured another campaign of Superleague football in dramatic fashion as Jordon Love headed home deep into injury-time in the final game of the season.
It was the pinnacle of an incredible week for the club, who looked all but doomed to relegation entering the final three games of the season.
But a 4-1 win over Carnoustie Panmure last Saturday was followed up by a 2-1 win at Broughty Athletic in midweek before completing an incredible trio of victories on Saturday in St Andrews.
Against all the odds, United grabbed five wins and a draw from their final six league fixtures to leap above Sauchie by a single goal and condemn the Clackmannanshire outfit to a play-off against Lochee United.
Their stunning run of form meant that the Hoose entered the final game of the season knowing that a two-goal victory would be enough to see them climb into the safety of 13th spot in the Superleague.
They were give a glorious chance to take the lead midway through the first half when they were awarded a penalty.
Mark Aitken showed no sign of nerves as he fired the ball confidently into the top corner to make the great escape well and truly on.
Despite almost total domination, particularly after the break, the visitors were unable to find a second that would have eased the nerves.
With just 15 minutes left of the season, United thought they had the invaluable second, only for Jamie Robertson to be flagged offside as he found the net.
As Fauldhouse threw men forward, the hosts created their best chance of the game on 82 minutes, but keeper Andy Murphy came to the rescue with a stunning save from Barry Sibanda.
How crucial that would prove as, in the 93rd minute, and having had a another goal disallowed, Fauldhouse struck the killer blow.
Gary Shanks rattled a 30- yarder off the bar. The rebound fell to Love who headed home to start ecstatic celebrations amongst the travelling supporters, players and staff.
And a great week for the club was capped off in terrific style on Sunday afternoon as the team’s under-16 side clinched the South East Region Football Association title in their maiden season.
They will be hoping to finish unbeaten when they face North Merchiston next week.