Wishaw Former Pupils reach quarter finals

May 13 2009 by Andrew Weston, Wishaw Press

Wishaw HSFP 1 Eddlewood 0

IN-FORM Wishaw High School FPs defeated current Scottish Cup holders Eddlewood last Monday to book their place in the quarter-finals of the McAvoy and McIntyre Cup.

A patched-up Wishaw side showed superb resilience against a side two divisions above them to secure this notable scalp.

A Gary Miller header after half an hour was what separated the sides in an entertaining game played at King George V Park.

With more than half a team being rested for the busy May schedule, this result was all the more impressive.

The Spartans, undefeated in Division 1B, now stand in the way of Wishaw and a place in the semi-finals.

Despite dominating play for lengthy spells, Eddlewood couldn't find a way past the resolute FP defence and any time they did breach the FP back line they found stand-in goalkeeper Garry Millar in inspired form.

After an excellent save down low at his right-hand post on 15 minutes, Millar, normally an outfield player, seemed to grow in confidence as he settled into his unfamiliar surroundings.

The match was settled in 30 minutes when the free-scoring Gary Miller was allowed to ghost in unmarked at the back post to nod home from close range after Steven Murdoch had outstripped his marker on the right wing and picked out Miller with his pinpoint cross.

Both sides had excellent opportunities to score in the opening period, with the FPs’ best chances falling to Ian McVey and Kevin Burnside.

The home side also had claims for a penalty turned down after an Eddlewood defender appeared to handle the ball in the box.

However, the Hamilton outfit took the game to the FPs for much of the second period, pinning their opponents to the edge of their 18-yard line.

Only dogged defending and improvised goalkeeping from Garry Millar managed to keep Eddlewood at bay and the hosts were relieved to hear the final whistle which secured a memorable victory.