A spirited Nethercraigs side ultimately succumbed to Scottish Cup favorites Drumchapel today, exiting the competition after a 6-3 defeat that, despite the scoreline, highlighted the GCFA Premier League team’s grit and determination, particularly in the second half.

Frustrating First Half Leaves ‘ Nerries with a Mountain to Climb

The visitors started brightly, with AJ producing the best chance of the opening period after a dazzling run, only to be denied by a fine save from the Drumchapel keeper.

However, the tournament favourites soon found their rhythm. A rapid counter-attack down the left flank saw Drumchapel take the lead, and they doubled it shortly after from a confidently taken penalty.

Just when Nethercraigs looked like they might see out the half, disaster struck. They were “caught sleeping” at a throw-in, allowing Drumchapel to sneak a crucial third goal on the stroke of halftime.

The half was then prematurely curtailed due to a worrying injury to a Nethercraigs defender.

Halftime Score: Drumchapel 3 – Nethercraigs 0

💪 Comeback Falls Short After Second-Half Blitz

The management team of Boyd and McDonald clearly delivered some “harsh words” during the interval, making three tactical substitutions to refocus the team.

Unfortunately, the restart brought no immediate relief, as a spectacular 40-yard wonderstrike found the top corner, extending Drumchapel’s lead to 4-0.

The injury woes continued for Nethercraigs, with a second central defender forced off, adding to the defensive disruption.

Yet, Nethercraigs refused to quit. Though Ajiri first missed a golden opportunity from close range, and a follow-up shot was expertly saved, the away side finally broke through. Ajiri was afforded time in the box and fired home the first for the GCFA team. 4-1 !!!

Drumchapel looked stunned, and the comeback was on when Moy picked up a loose ball and unleashed a stunning strike into the bottom corner. 4-2 !!!!

Minutes later, Nethercraigs were awarded a penalty, and Moy coolly stepped up to beat the keeper, making the score 4-3 and sending shockwaves through fans on the sidelines

Injuries and Late Goals End the Dream

Just as a historic comeback seemed possible, the momentum was cruelly halted. Defender Edun was forced off with the team’s third major injury, forcing a desperate reshuffle of the back line.

Against the run of play, and while Nethercraigs were sorting their defence, Drumchapel snatched a heart-breaking fifth goal.

In the final minutes, Nethercraigs flung everything forward, but with the last kick of the ball, Drumchapel countered quickly to score a sixth, sealing the victory.

Final Score: Drumchapel 6 – Nethercraigs 3

Managers’ Pride Despite Disappointment

The final thoughts from the Nethercraigs camp will focus on the soft nature of the third and fifth goals, both conceded at crucial transitional moments. Furthermore, the team was clearly deserted by luck with three significant injuries at critical stages of the match.

Despite the loss, the phenomenal spirit Nethercraigs showed in the second half is a massive positive. Managers Macdonald and Boyd should rightly be proud of their team’s refusal to lie down against one of the tournament’s best.