Tiber’s late show rocks Carrick’s bid

May 7 2008 Ayrshire Post

BRAVE Carrick FC came within minutes of forcing a penalty shootout in their bid for the Ayrshire Amateur Cup.

But two extra-time goals handed rivals Knockentiber the silverware at Rugby Park.

Second Division Carrick had fought back from a goal down in the early stages to threaten a shock against their Premier League opponents.

And Carrick, who are unbeaten in the league this season, proved their record was no fluke during a spirited 120 minutes.

But they fell behind in front a sparse crowd with barely five minutes on the clock as the favourites hit the front.

Ryan Miller’s dangerous cross from the left was met by Gary Greig flush on the forehead to open Tiber’s account and leave Carrick with a mountain to climb.

But they responded immediately with a shot just over the bar and the game was open and hard-fought with each side holding the edge for periods.

Carrick then found the crucial breakthrough when Reid Logan hit a 25 yard cracker past Tiber keeper Ross Stewart to level the scores.

It was a magnificent goal fit to grace any game and one which earned Carrick extra time.

But the favourites were stung and hit the front as the game headed for penalties when Davie Kirkland’s header on 98 minutes made it 2-1 Tiber.

But Carrick weren’t done and the final 15 minutes swung their way as they piled on the pressure in search of another equaliser.

But they were caught out in 122 minutes with some nice football from young Andy Gilgannon setting up Kirkland to fire home his second of the game and secure the cup for Tiber.

However, Carrick took plenty of praise in defeat after making it an Ayrshire Cup final to remember.