Stenhousemuir v East Fife, 10th January 2009
Scottish Cup 4th Round, Ochilview
Stenhousemuir 0 East Fife 1
Match Report: Alan Henderson
Photos: Jim Corstorphine
A BOBBY DAZZLER
A spectacular goal from Bobby Linn direct from a corner five minutes from the end of this tight Cup tie has sent the Fifers through to the last sixteen, where we are drawn away to Aberdeen.
After a couple of corners where he had failed to beat the first man, Linn launched a ball to the back post on 85 minutes, following a good run by Cameron down the wing. It dipped wickedly; clipped the crossbar; and nestled into the net - all against the wind!
In truth, the match will be recalled only for this piece of magic. With a near-gale force wind and driving rain, conditions for the players were atrocious; and silky football was out of the question. The game was a midfield battle, with few goalmouth incidents. Whilst the Warriors will feel a bit aggrieved to be out, the home side created only a couple of chances of note. The Fifers, meanwhile looked a bit more dangerous from set pieces around the box.
The Fifers started with a couple of good moves, before the match got bogged down in midfield. The first real chance fell to Stennie on 25 minutes, when a Motion cross gave Smith a free header. McCulloch fumbled it, but twisted to grab the ball on the line. The Fifers hit back, and Fagan shot wide. A McManus free kick was then dropped by Bennett, but Smart just couldn't direct the loose ball.
An anxious moment as Willie McCulloch fumbles the ball!
It was the Fifers on top at the start of the second - Templeman had a close-range shot saved; McManus shot wide after a scramble in the box; then a McManus cross was deflected inches past the post. After this burst of activity, it was back to the midfield battle.
Just when it looked like a replay, Linn produced his piece of magic. The Warriors then went on the offensive - Smith had a great chance, but placed it wide; then a free kick was sent tamely into McCulloch's arms. Now its off to Pittodrie.....
Bobby Linn’s corner kick ends up in the net, and it’s 1-0 East Fife!
Stenhousemuir: Bennett, Thom, Lyle [Connelly 84], Smith, Ovenstone, Tyrell, Shirra [Love 75], Ferguson, Thomson [Hampshire 71], Brand, Motion. Subs not used: Renton, Desmond.
East Fife: McCulloch, Nugent [Young 46], Cameron, Smart, McDonald, Muir, Fagan, Templeman, McManus, Crawford [Stewart 82], Linn. Subs not used: Brown, McRae, Campbell.
Referee: H Norris
Booked: Ferguson, Thom, Motion [S] Young [EF]
