Blackburn United under-17s seal Scottish Cup final berth after penalties victory

Blackburn United under-17s have booked their place in the Scottish Cup final thanks to a nerve-racking penalty shoot-out win over Airdrie United.

Callum Newall had given United the lead before Airdrie equalised before half-time then got their noses in front after the break.

Blackburn refused to wilt, though, and sent the game to penalties when Harrison Hall scrambled home from close range. Following 15 perfect spot-kicks, Ross Meldrum was the hero as he saved Airdrie’s eighth penalty to send Blackburn into the final.

A delighted coach Gavin Wallace said: “We’re very, very proud of them. To be honest we didn’t play anywhere near the level we can and Airdrie caused us problems and we had to adapt.

“Penalties is never a nice way to lose a cup semi-final but I think over the piece we deserved it.”

He added: “The boys were roared on by a brilliant support who travelled through in numbers which was great to see. They’re a terrific bunch of boys and Trevor, Richie and myself couldn’t be prouder of them.”

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