West of Scotland AFL

League Cup 1/4 Final

Helensburgh 3 Third Lanark 2

Helensburgh AFC pulled an unlikely comeback to advance to the semi-final of the League Cup, coming back from 2-0 down to win 3-2, Adam Sharkey netting the winner in the dying moments.

Playing at home and sitting top of the premier league at present, Helensburgh were considered the pre match favourites but in the end had a major fright.

It was the home side who started the brighter of the two sides and almost opened the scoring after a couple of minutes but Birnie fluffed the chance.

More chances came their way but a combination of wasteful opportunities and some good goalkeeping kept the scores level.

The Thirds made sure it wasn't all one way traffic though and came close themselves in a couple of occasions. Half time came with the home side wondering why they weren't well ahead.

It was a nervy start to the second half for the Burgh team as the visitors started to push forward and they took the lead after some hesitation in the defence allowed their striker time to slot the ball home.

Worse was to follow soon after for the home side when they lost a second goal after Campbell in goal was caught out by the quick thinking of one of the Thirds forward.

Just as Third Lanark were beginning to think the semi-final berth was theirs, the home team got one back when Petro fired in from 20 yards leaving the keeper no chance.

Buoyed by this Burgh pressed the Thirds defence high up the park in the look out for the equaliser.

Tadlock's shot was turned away for a corner and from the resulting kick Daniel Johns powered the ball high into the net to bring the teams level.

With the clock ticking towards extra time Adam Sharkey burst forward from midfield and slotted the ball home to finish off a brave fight by Thirds.

Helensburgh: Campbell, MacDonald, Johns, Meader, Gemmell, MacNeil , Paterson, Jeffries, Conner, A Sharkey, Petro, Black, K Sharkey, Tadlock, Birnie, Angus