Match Report T2 entered their first ever semi-final off the back of nearly three weeks rest, where 2nd division runners up Ferguslie were the opponents. With the sun shining the surface at Renfrew was in reasonable condition for this time of year, and T2 were looking to extend the sequence of results that got them to the S/F. T2 started brightly and matched Ferguslie all over the park, but Ferguslie had the better chances in the opening exchanges. But it was T2 who took the lead with a great individual effort. Thompson was fouled 20yrds from goal, and up stepped MacKinnon to curl a great effort over the goalies head. This spurred T2 on and they continued to create openings, Boville hitting the top of the bar from range, then the same player being denied strong penalty shouts when fouled inside the area. It was to be a dubious penalty decision at the other end that was to prove a turning point. A cross from the left, was comfortably caught by Davidson amongst a mob of players, only for the referee to deem that McMillan had impeded the striker. Up stepped the Ferguslie midfielder to send Davidson the wrong way. This gave Ferguslie fresh impetus and they then scored another three goals in a 10 minute period, Davidson and White should have done better when the striker got clear in box, then squeezed the ball between Davidson and the near post. Then a series of ‘competitive tackles on the edge of the area, left the midfielder to shoot for goal, and once again Davidson could have done better. Davidson was then left with chance at no.4 when the same player crashed Staffords poor header beyond Davidsons outstretched hand. 4-1 at half time and 15 crazy minutes left T2 with an uphill struggle. All credit to T2 though as they then created the best chances of the 2nd half. MacKinnon should have made the keeper work with 2 half chances, and Thompsons toe poke beyond the keeper rolling agonisingly wide. As it was another ‘soft’ penalty decision, was to be the next goal, this time Davidson guessed the right way but the ball slid under his hand. All that was left was for Rehman to score his 1st of the season from the penalty spot, but unfortunately it was little more than consolation. After allowing the initial bitter disappointment to subside, this was actually one of the seasons better performances, aside from the poor penalty decisions, T2 competed all over the park and on another day may have taken something from the game. If we play like this next season then we will almost certainly win more games than we lose. Good luck to Ferguslie in the final
