Doonhamers book the first Cup semi spot

If you were to ask me a few months back who would be the first guaranteed semifinalist in this year’s Scottish Cup, I would have named almost anyone before Queen of the South. The Doonhamers were then sitting near the bottom of the second tier of Scottish football, and looked like survival in the league was about all they could hope for. The beginning of a new year saw an epic turnaround for Queen of the South, however, and they haven’t lost since January 2nd. They continued their fine run of form today, beating Dundee for the second time in a month, and booking their place in the semifinals of the Scottish Cup.

The moment of the match came late. With Dundee already down 1-0, they sent keeper Craig Samson across the pitch to field a corner, a gamble that perhaps had to be made, trailing in a knockout match in injury time, but one that would seal their fate. The corner broke to right back Ryan McCann, who took full advantage of Samson’s absence in goal, and pounded home a 70-yard goal. That’s right. Seventy. Yards.

Congratulations to McCann and the Doonhamers, for their first semifinal birth in the Cup since 1950. It’s been a great run. It won’t be an easy semi, though, as they’ll face the winner of tomorrow’s Aberdeen v. Celtic match. Either way, it’s a great glamour tie for them, and anything can happen in the Cup.

The other quarterfinal of the day finished 1-1 between St. Mirren and St. Johnstone, with Andy Dorman once again coming through with a late equalizer to keep the Buddies alive.

Category: Scottish Cup

Tags: Craig Samson, Doonhamers, Dundee, Match report, Now thats a long ball, Quarterfinals, Queen of the South, Ryan McCann, Scottish Cup

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