Penalty shootout heartache but Kinnoull can be so proud, says striker Rhys Davies

Kinnoull agonisingly fell at the East of Scotland Qualifying Cup semi-final hurdle in one of the most dramatic games to ever grace Tulloch Park.

Excitement had been bubbling nicely for Saturday afternoon’s date with destiny against Lowland League side Gala Fairydean Rovers.

It would certainly turn out to be an enthralling watch for the neutral but, unfortunately, the battling Perth team’s journey was ended on penalty kicks.

Patrick Brown’s opener and a Rhys Davies double had resulted in a 3-3 scoreline at full-time, with the visitors’ netting very late to force more minutes.

Gala Fairydean Rovers appeared to have snatched an extra-time win when they then scored in the 119th minute but Kinnoull showed unbelievable character to respond straight from kick-off.

Davies was the coolest man on the planet to slot home from the penalty spot to force a shootout from 12 yards.

You could cut the tension with a knife as both teams stepped forward one by one for a place in the showdown final. It was the men from the Borders who managed to come out on top.

But striker Davies, who also netted in the shootout, says Kinnoull have so much to be proud about.

“I can’t say I’ve ever scored three penalties in a match but I’m always confident taking one,” he told the PA yesterday. "It was just a shame it wasn’t enough to get us through.

“It was one of those games that I will always remember. From a neutral point of view, it must have been some watch.

“But from start to finish the boys were unbelievable and obviously we were so gutted to lose on penalties. To get that close to advancing into a cup final hurts.”

Kinnoull’s adventure to the semi-final had included success against opposition from higher up the ladder.

And Davies reckons this latest