Robert Mitchell hails ‘incredible effort’ of Alness United after Football Times Cup semi-final shoot-out win
A tense penalty shoot-out was needed to separate the sides in the semi-final of the Football Times Cup as ten-man Alness United overcame Golspie Sutherland to book their place in this year’s final.
But as the Easter Ross side await the outcome of the other semi-final between Inverness Athletic and Invergordon this Saturday, manager Robert Mitchell says their focus will remain on league business.
Speaking after the game, Mitchell said: “Obviously, we are absolutely delighted to get to the final. It feels like a very long time since Alness have been to a cup final and the chance for all the people in the town that support the club to get a day out watching the team is very pleasing.
“But while it's great to have a final to look forward to, it's back to league duty away to Fort William on Saturday.
“Confidence should be high but we also must show caution to a degree. Fort William have had a couple of bad results recently and will be looking for a positive result. It's up to ourselves to go down there and play our game.”
The penalties showdown between Alness and Golspie went to sudden death with the sides locked in a stalemate after 120 minutes of play at Dalmore Park.
It looked as though it could be a long afternoon for Mitchell’s men when Michael Rae was dismissed for a wreckless challenge after just half an hour.
But after a goalless first half it was United who opened the scoring on 79 minutes, spurred on by the introduction of substitute Callum Coli, whose shot was carried over the line by the unfortunate Cameron Sutherland.
The lead lasted just fifteen minutes before the visitors drew level, Liam Bremner heading home a corner kick four minutes into stoppage time.
The eventual penalty shoot-out between the sides saw fourteen spot kicks taken, with Alness keeper Dawid Sienkowski proving to be the hero, saving three of the away side’s attempts.
Alness United: Sienkowski, R Ross (Loughlin 69), Rae (s/o 30), Laing (Sangwin 110), C Dryburgh, Gilliland, Grant, McKenzie, Fraser (Luke 82), L Mackay (Coli 62), I Ross. Not used: MacCormack
Golspie Sutherland: Oldbury, Cameron, J Anderson (Petrie 54), T Campbell, C Sutherland, S Sutherland, Gunn (Barclay 83), B Sinclair (Doogan 106), Bremner, J Murray (Kennedy 83), Harkness. Not used: Martin (GK), Smith
Mitchell reserved special praise for the resilience of his charges after their win - especially after going down to ten men early in the match.
He said: “That (the red card) could have been the end of us going into another 30 mins with a man down, but again the whole teams attitude and application was incredible. It was an incredible effort from everyone to not let it effect us.
“We hit the post and the crossbar and you worry it isn't to be our day. Penalties came and we missed our first one too.
“Golspie were 3-1 on penalties at one stage, but three saves from our keeper Dawid Sienkowski set up the winning penalty for Stefan Luke.”