Lichties left shattered as Mcguffie strikes late

Queens started positively with Young shooting just over the bar from 18 yards on seven minutes.

Two minutes later Young’s shot from the edge of the box deflected off Colin Hamilton and beyond Scott Morrison for the opener.

Arbroath were unlucky not be level on 18 minutes, Lee Robinson making a brilliant diving save from Scott Robertson’s powerful header following a Steven Doris cross.

Danny Carmichael then went on a mazy run before firing just over the bar before Nicky Clark clipped the bar with a shot from the right of the box as Queens searched for a second goal.

Arbroath’s Paul Currie got himself into a good position on 35 minutes only to blast over from 20 yards.

The Lichties had a good penalty claim waved away on 41 minutes when Daniel Orsi appeared to trip Currie in the box after a great pass by Lee Sibanda.

But Arbroath did level the tie on 58 minutes with Keddie bulleting home a front post header from Currie’s precise corner.

A minute later Carmichael ran at the Arbroath defence before thundering a shot over the bar.

The match headed into an exciting period of extra time with both sides going all out for the win.

Carmichael had a shot parried by Morrison before Clark sent the rebound wide from just six yards.

David Banjo nearly won it for Arbroath after a great run into the box but his shot crashed a shot off the bar.

With penalties beckoning, McGuffie put Queens through with a firm shot after a lay off from Carmichael.

Relieved Queens boss Allan Johnston said: “We were under no illusions that Arbroath would be difficult opponents and my lads did well to show belief and keep going like they did in the last round at Rangers.

“I am delighted to get to the final which will be a great occasion for the club.”

Arbroath’s Colin Hamilton (3) is kept in check by Nicky Clark.