Ref not spot-on on rules
Brechin City......3
Spartans............2
Agg 3-3, Spartans win 4-3 on penalties
Andy Kirk revealed referee Grant Irvine had to doublecheck the rulebook with Brechin before their penalty shoot-out loss to Spartans.
City took a dramatic semi-final clash all the way and confusion reigned at Glebe Park at full-time with Irvine believing the rules stated the game should have gone to extra-time.
But both clubs had got email confirmation of the rules earlier in the week so it went straight to penalties.
Ewan Loudon and Kevin McHattie missed for the home side as Spartans booked their place in the final with Albion Rovers.
Kirk said: “It was a bit embarrassing as the referee didn’t know if it should go to extra-time or penalties.
“He was going by the rule book and was told it was extra-time by his bosses.
“But we’d been sent an email that said the tie goes straight to penalties. How can they not know it? It’s a play-off. We had to show the referee an email at half-time.
“It’s a crazy way for the game to end.”
The Lowland side struck first in 14 minutes. Cammy Russell’s cross was met by Brad Whyte who powered a header into the net.
But Brechin forced their way back into the tie and MacLeod levelled with a low deflected drive just before the break. Spartans restored their lead as Henderson stroked in a Russell cutback.
But Brechin bounced straight back with Kieran Inglis driving home from 15 yards. And Botti Biabi took the game to a shoot-out.
Spartans boss Dougie Samuel said: “Brechin are the best team we’ve played all year. I have a lot of respect for them as a club.
“This is the furthest we’ve been. We lost to Cove Rangers in the play-offs and didn’t reach the final.
“It’s going to be a huge task. Albion Rovers will be huge favourites.
“They’ve beaten the champions Stirling Albion today and we wi l l be under no illusions about the task we’ll face.”