Athletic kicked off into the breeze and the early stages were fairly even, however the visitors managed to take the lead after 15 minutes, when a defensive error allowed their striker to score. RGU increased their lead when poor marking at a corner allowed their forward a free header and he made it 2-0.
Athletic refused to lie down and they got back into the game on the half hour mark with an excellent goal. Forrest chased a long ball down the left and fired over a great cross, which deceived the keeper and Cameron fired home with a super strike from a narrow angle. The veteran striker may be carrying a few extra pounds these days but his eye for goal is as good as ever. This brought Athletic right back into the game as half-time approached.
Half Time 1-2.
Athletic started the second period in determined fashion and they pushed hard for an equaliser. Both Forrest and Horner had chances, but when the goal finally came it was fullback MacLeod who scored with an excellent header from a Toner corner. Athletic were now full of confidence and went looking for the winner but they were dealt another blow when Cameron was – somewhat harshly – sent off for comments made to the referee, suggesting he was favouring the visitors.
Both sides had chances and Anderson had a good stop to keep the sides level, and that is how it finished after 90 minutes. Wright replaced the injured Alexander in the first period of extra time and Mitchell was unlucky when his low shot came back off the post with the keeper beaten but there were no further goals in the first period. After five minutes of the second period, Athletic went in front for the first time in the match when the excellent Henderson hammered in a thunderous left foot volley from 25 yards.
RGU now threw everything forward, but Athletic held firm until the referee awarded a dubious penalty with six minutes left, and this was duly converted.
Final Score: 3-3.
In the penalty shootout, Toner, Horner and Wright converted, but Mitchell and Forrest both saw their efforts come back off the post. Anderson made one excellent save, but could not prevent RGU winning 4-3 on penalties.
Team: Anderson, Alexander, MacLeod, Bowron, Henderson, Toner, Stewart, Mitchell, Forrest, Horner and Cameron.
Subs: Wright and McLellan.