Hurlford Thistle reach first ever cup final in centenary year

May 29 2009 by Clair Fullarton, Kilmarnock Standard

HURLFORD Thistle, which started out as Western Scottish 28 years ago, have reached their first ever Scottish Cup final - in the centenary year of the competition.

The first six rounds saw Hurlford drawn at home in each of the ties, and they scored 28 goals, conceding only eight.

Round seven was a tricky away tie to Strathclyde University. This game will be remembered for a spectacular 60-yard strike from Stevie Auld.

The uni side equalised to force a replay in which Thistle triumphed in extra time, 4-3, with Richard Reeder scoring the winner.

The quarter-final was away to Leven United. Greg Jarvie gave Hurlford an early lead, but the home side equalised and a replay was the outcome. At home two second half goals from Graeme Dayer took Hurlford Thistle through to the semi-final.

Arthurlie United were the opponents at Meadow Park, Irvine, Billy Mason and Graeme Dayer sent Thistle in 2-0 leaders at half-time. Two further goals from Paul Gilroy put Thistle in the final for the first time, where they will face Queens Park.

The final opponents are no strangers to one another after facing each other in the seventh round last season.

On that occasion young Raymond Montgomerie jnr put Queens Park through to the quarters, with a single goal four minutes from the whistle.

This season Hurlford Thistle, who have scored an impressive 40 goals in the competition, will be looking to reverse that result and bring the cup back to Ayrshire.