Keeper’s strike is to no avail

Rutherglen Gartcairn Jn.2 Riverside ........................ 1

A rare goal from goalkeeper Callum Breingan wasn’t enough to earn Riverside U19s a Scottish Cup win against Central League’s Rutherglen Gartcairn Juniors on Saturday.

The trip to Rutherglen was always going to be difficult against a side who have been in fine form recently, particularly with players unavailable and battling blustery conditions.

With the wind firmly behind them Gartcairn took the game to Riverside but it was the away side who had the first clear cut chance when Ross McEwan brought out a fine save from the Gartcairn keeper.

Riverside were to pay the price for the miss when the home side went two-up with both goals coming in a 10-minute spell and had it not been for Breingan in goal the scoreline could have been worse.

After the break, Riverside had the wind with them and the second period was a different story, They pressed with Lewis Morrow in central midfield and McEwan and Brandon Cruickshanks on the flanks pushing the home defence back for long periods. Although Gartcairn were still dangerous on the break, it was Riverside who controlled the game.

Despite all the pressure the only goal came on 75mins when keeper Breingan fired in a free kick which deceived the home goalkeeper and flew in to the net.

The last 15 minutes were all Riverside but sadly the equaliser never arrived and Rutherglen marched through to the next round.

Rab McPake, McEwan and Morrow all impressed but the Bunker Coffee Lounge and Bar man of the match went to Brandan Cruickshank for a fine all round performance despite the conditions.

●Riverside U19s are looking to add to their squad. If you were born in 2002, 2001 or 2000 and fancy a new challenge please contact Keith Morrison on 07598 794389.