Cup success proves foreign to Legion after second final loss

Chirnside 1

Legion boss Derek McLachlan admitted his side “lacked a cutting edge to win” as they suffered their second Border Cup final loss in a row.

Chirnside United co-manager Duncan Morrison, meanwhile, paid tribute to goalscorer Alan Jess as his side picked up their first Border Cup for seven years.

Jess’ second half strike was the difference in a game which was not exactly a Hallowe’en horror of a cup final, but no classic either.

It became clear from an early stage that one goal would likely prove the difference.

It was also evident that Chirnside, currently top of Border Amateur Division A, had the greater aerial and physical threat, with Daniel Romaines having a header cleared off the line within the first two minutes.

Jamie Logie led the line for United and his turn and shot was well saved by Sean Jack.

To their credit, Legion tried to play passing football throughout, with Craig Hall and Jamie Swailes looking a promising central midfield pairing, but it was a direct route which almost created the opening goal.

Ashley Langford collected Cammy Page’s long throw and his cross was cleverly back heeled towards the net by Chris Gillon, only for Martin Todd to palm the ball away.

Keeper Todd also denied Langford just before half time as Jed worked their way into the tie.

Yet it was Chirnside who grabbed the only goal seven minutes after the break when ex-Berwick Rangers development squad player Daniel Pattenden unleashed a low angled shot which Jack could not hold, allowing ex-Eyemouth United man Jess to find the net from less than six yards out.

Jed would dominate possession for the remainder of the game but Chirnside were looking dangerous on the counter-attack, with sub Adam Turner’s pace causing concern.

Legion’s Joss Lowe made a vital save to deny sub Keir Blaikie a certain goal which would have sealed the game.

There was a final chance at the other end to force extra time, but former Gala Fairydean Rovers man Langford mis-hit his shot in a crowded penalty area.

Morrison said of matchwinner Jess: “Alan has plenty of experience, which is needed to help our younger players. I thought we deserved to win.”