Magic Musselburgh show their mettle to reach Scottish Youth Cup Final

Musselburgh Windsor booked their place in the U15s Boys Scottish Youth FA Cup Final thanks to a 2-0 semi-final win over Cumbernauld United at Olivebank Stadium.

Musselburgh took the lead midway through the first half thanks to an Adam Buckley lob before Jack Carroll headed home, what proved to be the winner, only five minutes later.

Cumbernauld came out fighting in the second half but ultimately could not find the net as Musselburgh held on to progress.

Musselburgh will now face fellow SERYFA U15s Division 1 side Edinburgh City in the Scottish Cup Final on Sunday 7th May at Excelsior Stadium in Airdrie.

Both sides came into the game in great form, with only four losses registered between them this season. Musselburgh reached the last four following a 2-1 quarter-final win over Caledonian Braves, and Cumbernauld edged past Gairdoch United by three goals to two in the previous round.

The match started in a lively fashion, much to the delight of the 200-strong crowd. Musselburgh won two corners within the first minute and forced Cumbernauld goalkeeper Joseph Quinn to make an excellent diving double save.

As the game settled down, Musselburgh began to dominate the chances. Cumbernauld defender Aaron Livingstone had to make a perfectly timed last-ditch tackle in the box moments before Max Black and Kerr Steel hit the post and bar respectively for Windsor.

Goalscoring opportunities were few and far between for Cumbernauld but they continued to battle hard in midfield as the heavy challenges kept coming.

Musselburgh managed to break the deadlock on 21 minutes courtesy of Buckley who gently controlled a long ball before expertly lobbing Quinn in the Cumbernauld net from the right side of the box.

Windsor then doubled their lead five minutes later and only seconds after rattling the crossbar once again. Carroll rose highest to meet Steel’s floated free kick and coolly head home from six yards out.

As half time approached, it was all Musselburgh. They won numerous corners as Cumbernauld struggled to deal with their movement and pinpoint passes. Quinn was called into action far more than he would’ve liked but managed to make a number of crucial saves to keep the score respectable heading into the break.

One wouldn’t like to guess what the Cumbernauld manager said to his team at half time but it certainly kicked them into gear.

Just moments after the restart, the visitors had their own turn at hitting the bar via Maddox Milne from 12 yards. The rebound was subsequently tipped over for a corner by Flyn Cormack in the Musselburgh goal.

Aaron Mitchell was up next to go close for Cumbernauld, with his low effort drifting agonisingly wide from a tight angle following a pinpoint through ball.

As the second half wore on, Harry Olsson was required to make an excellent block to deny Cumbernauld striker Milne, before Buckley and Musselburgh were denied by the woodwork for a fourth time.

Proof that it just wasn’t Cumbernauld’s day came in the final minute when substitute Liam Addison’s dinked effort was cleared off the line by the backtracking Musselburgh defender who assured his side of their place in May’s showpiece final.

It’s back to league action next Sunday 2nd April for both sides, with Musselburgh travelling to face Spartans FC in South East Region Division 1 and Cumbernauld welcoming Benburb FC in Division 1 of the Glasgow and District Youth Football League.

Musselburgh Windsor Player of the Match: Jack Carroll

Any one of the Musselburgh players would’ve been deserving of this accolade but captain Carroll expertly guided his team into the Scottish Cup Final by popping up and scoring the winner on the big stage.

A hattrick hero coupled with a sublime performance was one to remember, as the North Kelvin superstar capped a delightful team performance.

Cumbernauld United Player of the Match: Aaron Mitchell

It just wasn’t to be for his team but Mitchell’s second half performance caused the Musselburgh backline issues and he went so close to perhaps kickstarting a comeback.

Musselburgh Windsor Magic Moment:

Adam Buckley’s opening goal was excellent, both in terms of build-up and execution, and it helped set Musselburgh on their way to semi-final victory.

Cumbernauld United Magic Moment:

Maddox Milne rattling the crossbar moments after half time was his side’s first clear-cut chance of the game and it could’ve flipped the cup tie on its head had the ball found the net on any other day.