Lewis Hoops to make up for cup heartache

ABERDEEN keeper Joe Lewis admits their Scottish Cup Final agony against Celtic is fuelling this season’s bid for glory.

The Dons No.1 still thinks what might have been had he been able to prevent Tom Rogic’s last-gasp winner at Hampden last season.

Lewis admits that hurt has made the Pittodrie men determined not to let Motherwell stand in their way in Saturday’s Cup semi-final.

He said: “It was heartbreaking for the players and the fans as we put so much into that game and just fell short in the dying moments.

“In the last minutes it was backs to the wall for us but if we had got to extra time and taken a breather it might have been different.

“There are a few key moments that could have gone differently but they didn’t and it does make you hungrier to go and win it this season.

“It’s a fantastic occasion if you can make the most of it by lifting the trophy. The aim is to go one better. That’s a major part of coming to Aberdeen.”

Lewis may still shudder at the thought of Rogic’s goal but it’s the Betfred Cup quarter-final rout by Well last September that haunts him.

The normally reliable goalie suffered a shocker after being at fault for two of the three goals and he’s relishing the chance to make amends at Hampden.

Lewis, who has kept an impressive 30 clean sheets in 86 games, said: “That was my worst game by a long way but thankfully we beat them down there three days later in the league.

“It sums up football. I had been getting a lot of praise before that game but as a keeper you know the kick up the backside is just around the corner.

“We are out to make amends in the Cup for losing to them in the Betfred Cup.”