With a minute to go the ref awarded a controversial penalty.

The Under 16's Small school cup final between Castle Douglas and Langholm took place at the David Keswick Centre on Tuesday evening. The match kicked off five minutes early, as the official needed to get away early to referee another game at 6.30.

The game itself, got off to a scrappy start, as the strong wind hampered decent play. However, when the sides settled it became a decent and competitive match. Castle Douglas, with the wind, created a number of chances, but could not capitalise, with the Langolm defence standing strong.

Even into the wind, in the second half, Castle Douglas pushed forward and created more scoring opportunities. The Langholm goalkeeper made a number of decent saves. At the other end, Castle Douglas had a few forays to contend with and the occassional corner to take care of. However, time was running out for both teams and it looked destined to go into extra time.

With a minute to go the Castle Douglas defence looked sharp, tackling and winning the ball, but putting it out for a corner. The ref. with a prior arrangement on his mind, whistled for a penalty, much to the bemusement of the Langholm squad and the horror of the Castle Douglas team. After a long and heated discussion, the penalty was taken and dispatched to give the Langholm team victory as Castle Douglas took the kick off to the sounds of the final whistle.

It was a good performance from Castle Douglas, the only thing missing.....a goal.

On the mini bus home, I was asked if I thought the referee would have made his 6.30 game in time? I had trouble keeping the mini bus on the road.