GARTCAIRN Juniors booked their place in the Euroscot Eng Central League Cup 2nd round after disposing of Benburb 4-3 on penalties.

The game ended 2-2 after regulation time with both teams creating plenty of chances at either end. This was Cairns new manager Gerry Bonham’s first game in charge and it didn’t get off to the best start.

The Ben’s struck first inside 2 minutes when some suspect defending allowed Scott Jarvie to climb and head a well placed header past Cairns keeper Mark Meek.
Both teams had plenty of chances with the game open and flowing from end to end. Gartcairn equalised with 3 minutes to go until half time. The ball was crossed in and young Ali Morgan got his head to ball and beat the Ben’s keeper from close range.

Into the second half Benburb scored another early goal with the Cairns boys not fully switched on. The ball was played doeward and it broke to Benburb striker Ryan Livingston who struck the ball hard and low past Meek. On 74 minutes though, Martin Harty scored the goal of the game with a fine move and excellent finish to pull level.

The game went to penalties and Keeper Martin Meek was the hero pulling off a save to help send Gartcairn into the next round winning 4-3 .

Afterwards, Cairns manager Bonham was delighted to have won the game and felt that his side had more than enough and deserved to win.
“We were sharper in and around midfield and I’m delighted to come away with the win. My heart was in my mouth most of the match but overall we were better than them.”