BRECHIN City recorded a superb extra-time victory over First Division leaders Hamilton in the Scottish Cup last night.
However, following an appeal by Hamilton after the match that Brechin striker Michael Paton was not eligible to play, the SF
A emergency committee will meet today to discuss the matter, which could result in Brechin being thrown out of the cup.
Paton, on loan from Aberdeen, was signed after the first game, a 0-0 draw. The SFA could decide to exclude Brechin from the tournament, order a replay or may simply fine them and allow them to continue.
Brechin battled every inch of the way against their full-time opponents and won the tie in 112 minutes when a drive from Kevin Byers dipped over the stranded Thomas Cerny and into the net.
Hamilton were the better side in the opening exchanges and grabbed the lead after 12 minutes. A free-kick from David Winters was headed down by Richard Offiong and Mark McLaughlin volleyed home.
Goalkeeper Craig Nelson was the Brechin hero in 18 minutes when he dived to brilliantly push an Alex Neil shot on to the crossbar and offside was given against Offiong as he tried to force the ball home.
Brechin threatened in 28 minutes when David White crossed for his central defensive partner John Ward to volley over. Two minutes later a corner was cleared to the edge of the box and Byers drove inches over.
Brechin had their tails up at this stage and a Michael Paton flick was saved by Cerny. They got the equaliser three minutes into the second half when Paton sent Charlie King racing through the middle and he shot home.
Extra-time provided few chances, but Byers claimed the winner after 112 minutes.
Brechin City: C Nelson, R Walker, Dyer, Ward, White, Fusco, Byers, Janczyk (Stuart Callaghan 95), Paton, King, Darren Smith. Subs not used: Calum Smith, S Walker, A Nelson, McCluskey. Booked: Fusco, Ward, White, R Walker.
Hamilton Academical: Cerny, Love (Gibson 77), Easton, Stevenson, Swailes, McLaughlin, Winters (Graham 69), McArthur, Offiong, Neil, Barrau (Gilhaney 69). Subs not used: Twigg, Halliwell. Booked: Neil, Swailes.
Referee: S Nicholls.
Attendance: 696
The full article contains 385 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
