Knightswood edge Blackburn United on penalties to seize Scottish Cup Semi-Final spot

As we enter the latter stages of the U17 Scottish Cup, Knightswood hosted a strong outfit of Blackburn United, with both sides hoping to earn progression to the Semi-Finals. 

The visitors began the game on the front foot, with quick passing creating an opportunity in the opening seconds, which saw Blackburn’s Harris Boyle thump one home with power to get his side off to the perfect start. 

The away side’s momentum took a rise through the roof, as almost instantly they progressed forward again. An effective ball through, which cut the Knightswood defence in two, opened up a clear-cut opportunity for Lewis Shaw to double the lead, which he calmly did, only taking the visitors two minutes to give themselves a two-goal deficit to maintain. 

Blackburn United kept their momentum high throughout the first half, creating more chances with an impressive strike caught on the half volley by Rhys Gemmill screwing just wide. 

Knightswood lifted themselves, holding strong defensively to keep themselves alive in the tie, a cutting ball through saw Mac Massie one-on-one with Blackburn goalkeeper Charlie Reid, which Reid denied with a superb save. 

As we entered the final play of the first half, an effective Knightswood corner, which Blackburn struggled to clear, fell onto the head of captain David McGuire, who fired his side straight back into the game, lining up a fascinating second period. 

Despite conceding late in the half, Blackburn United still held a 1-2 lead, with a big job to do in the second half. 

Knightswood came out for the second period with all guns blazing, knocking on the door in search of the leveller. 

As Blackburn held strong defensively, they were awarded a free kick. Killian Boyle struck the free kick brilliantly, striking the crossbar, coming inches close to restoring the two-goal lead for his side. 

As we entered the later stages of the game, Knightswood continued to test Blackburn’s defence, as a header from Harris Weir steered just wide. 

Knightswood were awarded a corner, with just under 10 minutes to play, an effective ball in saw Mac Massie attack the ball at the front post, finding the back of the net and a well-earned equaliser for his side.

Only a matter of minutes later, Knightswood progressed forward again, as Blackburn struggled to get the ball clear, a foul was committed, and Knightswood were awarded a late penalty, giving themselves a massive chance to take the lead for the first time on the day. 

However, Knightswood were denied by a fantastic penalty save by Charlie Reid, keeping the game level. 

As both teams searched for a winner, it couldn’t be found, as the full-time whistle blew, ending a fascinating and intense cup tie at 2-2. 

The game was decided by a penalty shootout, as Knightswood goalkeeper Connor McKenna was the hero as he saved a penalty to secure a 4-3 shootout win for his side, sending them into the Scottish Cup Semi-Finals. 

Knightswood Player of the Match: Gregor Simpson

Simpson led by example for his side, from centre-back defending unbelievably all game to make it hard for his opponents to create opportunities. 

Blackburn United Player of the Match: Charlie Reid 

Reid made some huge saves for his side, including a penalty save late on to send the game to a penalty shootout. 

Knightswood Magic Moment: 

Mac Massie’s late leveller played a significant part in the game, gaining a well-deserved equaliser and sending his side into sheer joy. 

Blackburn United Magic Moment: 

Charlie Reid’s late penalty save was a memorable moment for himself and his side, as when things looked like heartbreak for his team, he pulled through with a huge stop to keep his side alive.