WISHAW JUNIORS (Beltane Park)

WEST CENTRAL LEAGUE CUP 3rd ROUND, WISHAW 3-5 BLANTYRE VICTORIA, ATTENDANCE: 126 (h/c)

Sometimes the groundhopping Gods smile upon you and tonight was certainly one of those occasions.

It was destination Scotland once more but the original plan was to take in the League Cup game between Vale of Clyde and Benburb, unfortunately this was called off as the Bens could not raise a side.

The only option therefore was to divert to Wishaw where they were home, again in the League Cup, to Blantyre Victoria. The game turned out to be an absolute cracker.

Wishaw took the lead after 10 minutes, from the penalty spot, thanks to KB Grant (below left). Nicky Moore (40) added a second just before half time and when Grant (48) scored his second and Wishaw's third goal to put the home side on easy street, it seemed the contest was over.

There was no indication of the drama that was to unfold!

After 56 minutes Blantyre got a goal back courtesy of an own goal, which somebody referred to as "a Sandy" which is one for all you Everton and Liverpool supporters out there!

The Vics made it 3-2 through Craig Smith after 71 minutes before Smith scored his second and levelled the tie at 3-3. 

At this point you could see the Wishaw players legs had gone. It was no surprise when David Green put Blantyre ahead with 9 minutes remaining and Smith made the comeback complete after 85 minutes when he bagged his hat-trick.

Wishaw are back in the town after a nomadic existence. In 2010 a pitch in Beltane Park was fenced off and portacabins erected for dressing rooms. There is a small bit cover to help protect spectators from the elements. Despite it's limitations, the ground looked resplendent in the evening sunshine. A perfect way to spend a bank holiday.