Andy Kelly Memorial Cup Semi Final, Saturday 29th July 200

Penicuik Athletic 4 Whitehill Welfare 2

Whitehill visited Penicuik where a six-goal thriller was served up. The only problem was the Welfare defence conceded four! Goalscoring midfielder Alan McDonagh had a minor injury and was not risked despite being named as a substitute.

In a torrid opening half hour the home side created three openings which resulted in a 0-3 deficit with goals from Forbes and Lindsay(2). This left Welfare a mountain to climb.

Just after the half hour Nicky Walker reduced the leeway with a low drive just inside the box which beat Bald in the Penicuik goal. However the home side secured a 4-1 interval lead following a clear trip inside the penalty box. John Harvey took the kick and struck it to Swain's right. The keeper guessed correctly and kept the effort out but spilled it back into the onrushing Harvey's path and he slotted in the rebound.

The second half was better for Welfare who grew in confidence as the half progressed. There was a better understanding and Bald was the busier keeper and his opposite number Swain was also called upon from time to time.

Welfare's pressure was eventually going tell and it was Nicky Walker who grabbed his own second when he set himself up from almost 30 yards out and sent a raging drive into Bald's postage stamp corner for a memorable goal. Welfare fans who saw his first goal for the club against Edinburgh City at Meadowbank would have a sense of deja vu.

Welfare had a couple of further half chances but Penicuik stood firm. A healthy crowd of over 200 were in attendance and Penicuik now meet Bonnyrigg in the final at Victoria Park, Newtongrange on Wednesday 2nd August with a 7.15pm kick off.

Whitehill: Swain, McKenna, Lee, Wilkes, S Fisher, McEwan, Christie, Hart, W. McInosh, Doig, Walker. Subs: C. Fisher, Brown, Walkingshaw, E. McIntosh, McDonagh.