Golspie Stafford book place in last four
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GOLSPIE Stafford were forced to come from behind to book their place in the last four of the Stafford Cup after a hard fought 2-1 victory over Dornoch City at the Meadows.
Tom Smith gave City the lead in the 35th minute when he cut inside to fire into the far corner of the net.
Stafford had a "goal" chalked off just before the break when Liam Sutherland knocked in a through ball from Shane Sutherland but he was ruled off-side.
However, Liam was not to be denied and he squared matters on the hour mark with a screamer of a shot from 30 yards after Gary MacKenzie and Shane Sutherland combined in the build up.
Stafford took the lead for the first time five minutes later when Adam Sutherland found the top corner.
The visitors finished strongly and they had the ball in the net again when Joe Crisp headed home an Aaron Smith delivery but John Smith was penalised for a foul. Embo won through to the semis after a penalty shoot-out against Helmsdale United at a wind-swept Back Park.
United had the better of the exchanges early on but Embo gradually came into the tie and the home side took the lead on the half hour mark when the United defence failed to deal with a Euan MacDonald free kick and David MacKay was on hand to tuck away the loose ball.
Embo doubled their lead seven minutes later following another set piece when David Munro got on the end of a Craig MacKay delivery to head home.
But with a strong wind in their favour in the second period United got back on level terms with two late goals, including one deep in injury time. In between Macdonald was sent off after he picked up a second yellow card.
There were no more goals in extra-time and the tension mounted as the game rested on penalties.
Craig MacKay hit the decisive penalty as Embo booked their semi spot against Golspie Stafford.
In the other ties, Lairg Rovers eased to a 4-2 win at Melvich, while Tongue were taken to extra time by Lochinver before winning 4-3.
? In a league match on Tuesday night, Dornoch City defeated Lairg Rover 3-2.
? The Sutherland AFA league has been sponsored for the first time in quite a number of years by Brora Rangers Football Club.
Fixtures – Saturday, May 19 – Stafford Cup semi-finals – Embo v Golspie Stafford; Tongue v Lairg Rovers. League – Brora Wanderers v Helmsdale United. All 3pm kick-offs.
