LOCH Lomond Hockey Club will line up in the final of the West District Cup next month after a dramatic penalty shoot-out win over Dumfries on Saturday.

After a goalless draw at the National Hockey Centre on Glasgow Green, it was Sharon Crossan who slotted home the vital penalty to give Loch Lomond a 4-2 win and a place in the final of the competition next month.

A change for the better in the weather saw both teams warm up in sunny conditions, though the strong wind still made for challenging playing conditions.

The game was hard fought by both teams and Loch Lomond’s goalkeeper and defence were tested repeatedly in the first half, but some strong clearing saves from Elaine Brown in goal and stalwart defending from Vicki Perry and Sharon Crossan in the centre of defence, supported well by strong play from Lauren McCreadie and Eve Howard at right and left defence, kept the visitors at bay in the final 23.

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Loch Lomond’s midfield were outnumbered in the centre of the pitch, and were unable to make penetrating runs forward and also had to be vigilant in tracking back.

Jenna Gallacher and Philippa Filmer, at right and left midfield, made some good strong forward surges supporting and feeding the ball to the forwards Bongiwe Tshabalala and Molly Macken – several of which made the Dumfries goalkeeper and defence work hard, though there was no way through for either side as the first half ended goalless.

A positive team talk from their coach and captain and observations from key players led to a shuffle in the centre of the Loch Lomond midfield for the start of the second half.

The changes in the centre of the pitch reaped early rewards as Vanesa Sabala and Jenny Tripney were able to surge forward supporting attacks and were ready for rebounds.

With four substitutes, Loch Lomond were able to keep the tempo high; Elaine Wotherspoon and Rachel Peacock enabled the forwards and some midfielders to take a well-earned break, and Jane Neil covered the defenders.

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Loch Lomond also had Heather Smith as a substitute goalkeeper, who ably replaced Brown for the last 23 minutes.

Despite the added possession and pressure, more forays into the opposition 23 and winning several short corners, Loch Lomond were unable to break the deadlock – but were able to keep a clean sheet at the back, meaning the game would be decided on penalty flicks.

Brown took the goalkeeper’s position and made two great saves to give Loch Lomond the advantage after Sabala, Perry and Macken had successfully converted their penalties.

Crossan stepped up for the final flick, and despite the pressure of the moment she kept her cool and calmly slotted the ball past the Dumfries keeper.

The winning penalty sparked plenty of celebrations in the Loch Lomond ranks, for not only had they booked their place in the final, they had done so against the odds, with a squad featuring a mixture of first and second team players against their opponents’ first XI.

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Coach Anne McGregor was, understandably, absolutely delighted at the effort displayed by her entire squad and the outcome of the penalty shoot-out.

The final will be played in Glasgow on March 15, when Loch Lomond will face either Glasgow Accies or Glasgow University.

Loch Lomond’s Player of the Match award went to to Vicki Perry; the runner-up was Jenna Gallacher.

Loch Lomond squad: E. Brown, L. McCreadie, V. Perry, E. Howard, S. Crossan, J. Gallacher, V. Sabala, P. Filmer, J. Tripney, B. Tshablala, M. Macken, H. Smith, J. Neil, E. Wotherspoon and R. Peacock.

The match umpires, both provided by Loch Lomond, were Andy Richardson and Ann Wotherspoon – many thanks to both.

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