Burgh spot on for Alba Cup final

LOCHMABEN are a game away from lifting silverware after beating Abbey Vale 4-3 on penalty kicks in the Alba Cup semi-final. It was Vale who started the fastest on home turf when they opened the scoring with a tidy finish from Adrian Leybourn after a ball over the top. But the Burgh were awarded a penalty soon after and Jordy Atkinson comfortably slotted home from 12 yards to make it 1-1. The game was scrappy for periods of the half but it was Lochmaben who finished the first half strongest when centre back Chris Newbould headed a Connor Graham corner kick into the back of the net just before the break. Lochmaben made a sharp start to the second half sharp and were awarded another penalty which captain Connor Graham smashed home to make it 3-1. Shortly afterwards Vale defender Mitchell Black was shown a second yellow card and the home side were reduced to ten. However, the New Abbey side remained a threat and got back into the game after an own goal. And in the final minutes they pushed for an equaliser and forced Lochmaben further back. The home side were awarded a penalty which was converted by Lewis McKenna with five minutes left on the clock. After a long period of extra time, the referee blew his whistle on 98 and the game would be decided on penalty kicks. Lee Taylor, Denver Milligan, Jamie Daniels and Jed Simpson all scored their spot kicks for the Burgh, while goalkeeper Sam Henderson pulled of two brilliant saves to cement the club’s spot in the Southern Counties FA Alba cup final – Lochmaben’s first final in nearly ten years. Lochmaben will meet Lochar Thistle at Raydale Park on December 5 to contest the trophy. On Saturday afternoon the Burgh welcome St Cuthbert Wanderers to Whitehills Park in the league