Tain Thistle 2-1 Alness Athletic
<img class="imgleft" align="left" alt="" src="http://www.tainthistle.co.uk/news/data/upimages/burrys.jpg">A last gasp winner from Robbie Ross was enough for Tain Thistle to book their place in the Ross-shire Welfare League Cup final this afternoon, against cup holders Alness Athletic.<br /><br />Arron Christie named a relatively familiar starting eleven, with Ryan Cowie coming back into otherwise the same side who played in the abandoned fixture midweek against Inver. <br /><br />Despite a positive start from Thistle, it was Athletic who broke the deadlock through Stevie Murray; the forward taking advantage of defensive frailties in the early going to knock the ball past Stevie Martin. The goal jolted Tain into action and before long chances came, mostly through Colin Burry as he found the head of Robbie Ross on two occasions, both being sent over the bar. <br /><br />As Tain continued to chase an equalizer, the game adopted a frenetic feel with chances at either end, Stuart Murray shooting over the bar while John Maclellan had an effort saved at the other end and bookings which soon followed, for Thistle's Rice and Athletic's Alexander.<br /><br />But, capping off a brilliant first half display down the left wing, it was Burry who was able to pull his side back into contention with a tremendous goal, looping the ball over Annal and into the net from an acute angle just before the half time break.<br /><br />The second half started as the first had ended, with much of the tough yet flowing football that both teams had promised to deliver pre-match on display for the 100 strong crowd. Chances falling to Darran Goller and Ross were squandered while Maclellan again found an opportunity held by Annal as Tain pushed for a winner.<br /><br />Just as the match looked as though it was headed for extra time, Robbie Ross provided the heroic touch, as he had done in the Cordiner Cup semi final last year, with a goal in the dying minutes. Winger Goller's seemingly tireless legs carried him into a fantastic position down the right hand side to cross for Ross; the forward carrying the ball over the line to send the Thistle crowd home delighted, with the prospect of another cup final to look forward to.<br /><br />Post-match, the Athletic touchline took issue with referee Billy Murray leading to ugly scenes at the full time whistle. Tain Thistle have been asked to post the following message on their official website at the request of Alness Athletic from the opposition club's manager Terry Stirling:<br /><br /><i>"I would like to apologize for my bad temperament and my attitude towards the referee. I understand that he has a hard enough job. My apologies to the children in attendance and to the great support Tain had at the game, if any offense was caused. Well done and all the best in the final."</i><br /><br />In the other semi final, Inver travelled to Cromarty where they were able to win 3-2, setting up a derby final for the Invergordon hosted cup. The final is scheduled to be played on Saturday, May 22nd with a 3pm kick off Invergordon's Recreation Grounds.<br /><br /><b>Team:</b><br />Martin, Farquhar, Cowie, Rice, A Christie, Cameron, Burry, Goller, D Christie, Maclellan, Ross (Johnston)<br /><br /><b>Subs not used:</b><br />Durrand, C Nimmons, Sutherland, Rattanaphithak<br /><br /><b>Goals:</b><br />Burry 43, Ross 89<br /><br /><b>Bookings:</b><br />Rice, D Christie, Maclellan<br /><br /><b>Man of the Match:</b><br />Colin Burry<br /><br /><b>Match details:</b><br /><a href="http://www.tainthistle.co.uk/matchdetails.php?id=408">http://www.tainthistle.co.uk/matchdetails.php?id=408</a>