Penalty miss costs Burn in cup defeat
It was semi- final heartache for Broxburn as they tamely bowed out the Alex Jack Cup.
Broxburn’s form in the league, where they boast a 100 per cent record from six matches, deserted them and they were left to rue what could have been an avenue into next season’s Scottish Cup – and a first piece of silverware since their move to the senior ranks.
The ‘ Burn went into the tie as favourites but it was the visitors who settled soonest, and although they created few clear- cut chances, The Mariners were on top from kick-off.
Camelon had a series of corners midway through the first half, seeking to pile the pressure on Broxburn keeper Connor Wallace, but ‘Burn defended resolutely to keep the scores level.
Broxburn, on their rare ventures forward, were playing the ball over the top of Camelon’s defensive rear-guard to try and feed striker Zander Miller, but it never paid off and both sides went in at the half-time interval goalless.
The visitors upped their play a few notches in the second half and on the 52nd minute, Camelon’s Ryan Kane took a run down the right and into 18-yard box and found himself one on one with Wallace. But the keeper saved well to knock the shot wide.
By now Camelon’s superiority was really evident and only another good save from Wallace, this time from left winger Alan Docherty, kept the visitors at bay.
A goal had to come – and it did on the 64th minute in the shape of a strike inside the box from centre forward Ross Cameron.
A ball came in from the right and the Camelon man took a touch to control it before spinning round to steer it past the Broxburn keeper who could do nothing to keep the scores level.
Those in attendance at a busy Albyn Park would have hoped that would wake Broxburn from their slumber, but in truth little changed and Camelon could have doubled their lead after some intricate play between Docherty and Anderson saw the winger’s snap shot hit the side netting.
It looked like the game would peter out with ‘Burn failing to register a shot on target all afternoon.
But with just a few minutes left, as Broxburn finally plied some pressure on the Camelon goal, a late and clumsy challenge saw referee Colin White point to spot.
However Kelly’s strike was in keeping with Broxburn’s afternoon and his low shot was easily dealt with by Shaw.