Supporters side FC Livingston GS exited the IFA British Cup on Saturday in the cruellest of fashions, going down 5-3 on penalties to Stockport supporters side AeF FC.

Despite having lead the match on three occasions over the ninety minutes, a last minute equaliser from the home side sent the game to penalties and after GS missed their first kick, Stockport took full advantage, netting all five to ensure they took their place in round two.

The game, played at the home of Cheadle Town FC, was an open affair to begin with as both teams looked to get an early hold of proceedings. GS created the first chance of note as a brilliant ball over the top from Richard Harrison found Dave Black in behind the County backline but he sent his shot wide of the post.

He soon made amends though as the away side took the lead. GS were awarded a free-kick just inside their own half and when Paul Kelly whipped a terrific ball into the box, Black beat the ‘keeper to nod the ball into the net.

This really lifted the confidence and GS continued to press, looking to double their lead. Paul Miller, Daniel Carr-Pollock and Richard Harrison all went close before the Kelly-Black double act produced again to increase the GS advantage. A corner on the left was curled to the front post by Kelly and Black again got in front of the keeper to head the ball into the corner.

Stockport were incredibly lucky to have 11 men on the pitch as half-time drew near. A ball over the top was chased down by Carr-Pollock and as he tried to nick between the last defender and the ‘keeper, the defender appeared to throw an elbow into the youngsters face.  The reaction from the GS players combined with the little reaction of those in Stockport colours was a clear indication of what had just happened – somehow though, the referee appeared to see things differently and gave both players a talking to.

The half-time whistle came and GS looked in good shape with 45 minutes left to play. A nightmare start to the second half saw Stockport fight back into the game and draw level. A long ball forward took a horrible bounce off the boggy pitch, deceiving the GS defence and the Stockport striker nicked in to pull a goal back. Only moments later, a free kick wide on the left was fired low into the box, beating everyone before nestling in the corner of the GS net.

GS gradually battled back into the game and it wasn’t long before they regained the lead. A ball into the box found Black who’s shot was deflected back to defender Kevin Greenan and he made no mistake in slamming the ball into the corner for his first goal of the season. Again though, Stockport battled back and this time, they levelled from the penalty spot. A poor clearance ricocheted back into the danger area and as the Stockport striker looked to pull the trigger, Greenan stuck a leg in and brought the frontman down. The penalty was converted and the game headed into the final ten minutes at 3-3.

With only five minutes to play, it looked like GS had grabbed a winner. Some good play in the middle of the park resulted in a ball forward to Cameron Anderson and he made no mistake, turning his defender and firing beyond the ‘keeper to give the away side the lead. That elation quickly turned to disappointment though as with the last throw of the dice, a ball into box from Stockport was never cleared and the ball fell at the feet of a Stockport player who stuck the ball past Dougie Shaw in the GS goal to send the tie to penalties.

Stockport opted to shoot first and scored before GS’s Harrison slammed his penalty off the bar. Both teams went on to score their next three with Darren Keith, Chris Love and Graham Yorke scoring for GS before Stockport netted penalty number five to seal the win.

It was a cruel end to a great performance from the GS boys who’ll be disappointed to end their interest in the cup for another year. They’ll be back on the road this weekend with an away trip to Troon on league duty where they’ll hope to continue their unbeaten start to the league campaign.

Team: Shaw, Keith, Greenan, Kelly, Bremner, Miller, Harrison, Love, Yorke, Carr-Pollock & Black.
Subs: McKinven, Anderson, Mutter.