Sunday seen Dundee West Royals welcome Rossvale Alba to Baldragon for the quarter final of the Scottish Cup. The match originally due to take place at Downfield park had to be switched last minute due to the awful weather conditions in the run up to game.
The game started at a high pace with both teams creating chances. Rossvale seemed to settle into the game quicker moving the ball well but the Royals looked a threat on the counter.
In the 5th minute Rossvale failed to clear a Harry Welsh cross. Josh Holt pounced on the error shifting the ball on to his left foot and rifling the ball into the top left hand corner, 1 - 0 the West
Not long later, in the 13th minute, Rossvale worked the ball from right to left. A deep cross then played to back post caught the Royals not following their men. A controlled cut back was then swept home by the incoming striker, 1 - 1.
At this point Rossvale had taken control of the game. They were playing the more attractive football, the Royals look nervous and not playing their normal game. Instead opting for long balls but again still look a threat.
This pays off for Rossvale. 21st minute they catch the Royals napping with a quick throw-in down the right side. It's not dealt with and the cross is unfortunately turned into his own net by Michael Gray, 1 - 2 Rossvale.
With Rossvale now deservedly in the lead the Royals seemed to wake up. Granted still not playing their normal game, they seemed determined to get back into the tie.
That’s just what they did slightly before the half time whistle. With 35 mins played the Royals have a free kick 15 yards into the Rossvale half. With the need for a goal and the blustery conditions, Callum Luke is urged to shoot from the sideline and he obliges. The wind however turns his shot into a great cross to the back post where Keiran Luke finds himself after a great run through two defenders to cushion a volley back over the keeper into the net 2 - 2.
Half time
Second half starts and again Rossvale look comfortable and are creating chances.
However on the Royals first real venture into Rossvale's final third they get a corner in the 41st minute. An excellent cross from Keiran Luke is met by Josh Holt darting along the edge of the 6 yard box. He manages to direct his header across the goal and it goes in off the inside of the post and crosses the line and no more. 3 - 2 the West.
The game then went end to end with both teams looking for the next goal.
It was to go to the Royals with an hour played. A lovely whipped in corner from Josh Holt evaded the Rossvale defence, only to be met 3 yards out from the in rushing Harry Welsh. He controlled his side footed volley into the roof of the net. Cue wild celebrations from the Royals side line. 4 - 2 the West
Most would have thought the tie was done. Surely Rossvale heads would drop after playing so well, being behind then taking the lead only to be pegged back then to fall behind again.
Clearly Rossvale boys don't do feeling sorry for themselves. They continued with their confident passing football and were rewarded in the 65th minute. The ball broke to their right back at the edge of the area. The Royals were slow to close him down and he expertly chipped the ball up for himself before lobbing an outstretched Kyle Wilson. Some feat when you consider Kyle had already made important saves on the day but nothing he could do about this. 4-3 the West.
This late goal meant it would be a nervy last 5 minutes for the Royals. It could have been worse had one of the Rossvale boys not let himself down in the aftermath of the goal, trying to retrieve the ball from Kyle Wilson in goal, which resulted in a red card.
Rossvale continued to push for the equaliser that would take the game to pens however, Royals held out for the victory with the determination they showed through most of the game.
Very exciting game that could have gone either way. Royals edged it with sheer will to win and game management
Man of the match - Josh Holt. His display showed real determination to win. His running power with ball really helped the team get up the park.
Coaches players of the week Keiran Luke quite incredible finish and an assist. Harry Welsh selfless running for the team as always and a goal. Michael Gray picked himself up after OG didn't stop running and made important clearances. Kyle Wilson kicking was good and also made 3 or 4 top drawer saves at important times, also Jack Davidson, who calmly kept things in order in defence and last but not least Callum Luke, for bravely winning a header in the first half and picking up an injury, to then return to the field shortly after and put in a fantastic performance while still carrying a slight injury.
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