Battling Broxburn dumped in penalty shoot-out

Broxburn Athletic boss Chris Townsley refused to be too downbeat despite his side’s Scottish Cup exit on penalties to Highland League side Nairn County.

If that wasn’t bad enough, the Brox also saw striker Gary Brass and keeper Connor Wallace hospitalised in the first half as they were edged out 4-3 on penalties following a 0-0 draw.

And the visitors had a 118th minute goal controversially disallowed as they exited the competition.

Townsley (below) said:“The result is obviously a disappointment as are the injuries to Connor and Gary but we actually played really well and I was very happy with the performance.

“We gave it everything and kept our shape well all game. It was just one of those afternoons where everything seemed to go against us.

“It was a very even game between two well-matched sides and when it comes down to penalties it’s really a bit of a coin flip.

“Any other year you’re delighted to have gotten a replay.”

He added: “There were plenty of positives to take from the game. It was a second straight clean sheet which was hugely pleasing and at times we played some good football.” Former Whitburn striker Brass suffered ankle ligament damage while a dislocated hip put paid to Wallace’s afternoon in the Highlands .

The gaffer said:“We were actually all the more determined to get the result for the two lads but it wasn’t to be.

“It meant we had to make a couple of substitutions in the first half as well which limits you the rest of the game but that’s out of your control.

“Gary’s swelling was so bad they couldn’t properly assess it but there was no sign of a break and it looks like ankle ligament damage.

“Connor’s kicked the ball and his hip has dislocated then popped back in. We’ll need to wait and see a bit with both guys.”

Neither side took control of the game with defences on top for the entire 120 minutes – although the Brox will feel aggrieved that Greg Binnie’s late goal was disallowed.

The striker appeared to poke the ball home in a congested area only for a free-kick to be given for a foul on Nairn keeper Dylan MacLean.

Conor Kelly and Cammy Ross netted for the Brox before misses from both sides made it all-square heading into the fifth penalty. Binnie saw his effort saved with Calum Howarth netting to send Nairn through.