The Rolly suffer cup semi-final heartbreak

EKRR’s Scottish Amateur Cup dream is over after a narrow semi-final defeat to Steins Thistle on Monday night.

A crowd of over 700 watched The Rolly’s last four tie at Hamilton Accies’ New Douglas Park, but, sadly, it was a night of disappointment as they passed up several chances and ended up suffering a 1-0 defeat.

In the first 10 minutes of the game Steins had the majority of the play and their pressure on the Rolly goal was rewarded when a corner from the right was met by a Steins striker, turning home the only goal of the game.

The Rolly then took the upper hand and pummelled the Steins goal, creating chance after chance with Andy Brown and Mark Brown both coming close in the first half.

After 25 minutes Jonny Diack found himself through on goal with only the keeper to beat, but shot wide.

A few minutes later it was the Rolly keeper, Nicky Martin, who pulled off an amazing save from close range keeping the Rolly in the match.

Just before half time a lose ball was picked up by Sam Watson who shot from long range beating the Steins keeper but it hit the post.

With time running out the Rolly should have been awarded a stone wall penalty when Sam Watson was brought down in the box. The linesman flagged for a penalty but was overruled by the referee, much to the bewilderment of the crowd, and the final whistle blew soon after.

The club can look back on their run with pride after reaching the semis for the first time in their 70-year history.

They now play Eastwood Parkmount at Ballerup on Saturday in the league.

• In the other semi-final on Friday night, East Kilbride Thistle Colts were thrashed 6-1 by Cupar Hearts at New Douglas Park.