THERE’S nothing quite like a last minute cup winner.
And it was that extra bit special for Gretna 2008 after winning their first piece of silverware in 13 years.
The Southern Counties Challenge Cup tie looked destined to be heading into extra time with the game level at 2-2 in injury time.
But a packed Raydale erupted with joy when Gretna sub Kayn Cranston fired a sublime strike at the death to clinch the trophy.
Anvils boss Vinnie Parker knew from the get-go that it was going to be a tough Friday evening taking on their Lowland League rivals Caledonian Braves but had stated home advantage could be key for their success.
Braves – who used to play in the South of Scotland League and were looking to win the Challenge Cup for a third consecutive campaign – had struggled in the past two league encounters with Gretna this season. Both matches finished in a stalemate.
And the visitors made a bright start and opened the scoring on 22 minutes.
Conor McLaren’s corner found his brother Reg McLaren who flicked the ball back the ball into the bottom corner from eight yards.
And Braves could’ve doubled their lead moments later when Lennon Walker broke forward, tried to round Gretna keeper Jim Atkinson but his shot clipped the post.
It was a massive let-off for Parker’s men and they made sure they used their extra life to their advantage.
Gretna levelled through talisman Iain Anderson on the half hour mark. Dean Brotherston’s shot was fumbled by the Braves shotstopper into the path of the veteran and slammed home from close range.
Both sides had chances to go into half-time ahead with Walker’s shot saved by Anvils skipper Atkinson. At the other end Sam Atkinson’s 20-yard volley had to be tipped over the bar by a full-stretched White in the Braves goal.
But after the restart, Braves started to take control and they edged ahead on 53 minutes.
It was third time lucky for Walker who beat the offside trap, rounded Atkinson and coolly slotted into the empty net.
But Gretna just don’t know when they are beat. A brilliant delivery from the right hand side found that man Anderson again and he expertly nodded into the bottom corner on 62 minutes.
As the clock ticked down on a rainy Raydale, many were thinking an extra half hour was on the cards.
But a fabulous Anvils move was finished by Cranston who hit an unstoppable effort into the bottom corner. Jubilant scenes followed with every player celebrating with the hero of the hour.
It wasn’t long until referee Michael Williamson blew the full-time whistle as the Gretna young team chanted and celebrated with their players and manager Parker.
