This season’s Petrofac Training Cup kicked off at the end of July with a whopping 59 goals scored in Round 1 - that’s 3.7 goals per game!
Notable victories included Falkirk’s 7-1 demolition of East Stirlingshire at Ochilview and Highland League side Brora Rangers beating League 1 Stenhousemuir after extra time.
Our game of the round came at Palmerston where Queen of the South and Livingston played out a seven-goal thriller!
Livi clawed back a two-goal deficit to take the tie into extra time. Myles Hippolyte put the away side ahead on 98 minutes after latching on to an inch-perfect through ball, although Queens’ Michael Paton made it 3-3 soon after.
With a penalty shoot-out approaching, Livi sub David Robertson beat the offside trap to fire home from close range, securing his side a place in the second round draw.
There were goals galore in the second round as well as the competition built momentum. The goals-per-game ratio shot up to 4.6 thanks to a couple of high-scoring thrillers!
Kris Boyd grabbed a hat-trick as Rangers fired eight past Clyde to spoil Barry Ferguson’s return to Ibrox as Bully Wee boss.
Livingston kept their cup form going with an impressive 4-1 victory over Championship leaders Hearts, while Alloa beat local rivals Stirling Albion 2-1 thanks to a Greig Spence double.
Our game of the round came at Cappielow where a plucky Berwick side took Morton to extra time. The highlight of normal time was Jamie McCluskey’s goal for the home side - a beautiful shot from outside the box which sailed into the top corner.
On-loan Aberdeen striker Declan McManus proved to be the difference between the sides, scoring a 12-minute hat trick to settle the tie 5-2 in Morton’s favour.
The quarter-finals were all relatively tight in comparison to the high-scoring earlier rounds.
Stranraer pulled off a fine result by beating Championship side Falkirk 1-0 at Stair Park. Anthony Marenghi took his time in the box before firing a composed shot past Bairns keeper Jamie MacDonald.
Elsewhere, an extra-time strike from Myles Hippolyte helped Livi see off a dogged Peterhead side 1-0 at Balmoor, whilst Alloa left it late at Cappielow. It took a Ryan McCord header on 89 minutes to secure their place in the semi-finals, also with a 1-0 success.
Stranraer pushed Livi all the way in the first of the semi-finals. It took a penalty shoot-out after a 1-1 draw to separate the sides at the Energy Assets Arena – the home side won 5-4 on penalties. Jason Talbot’s spot kick proved decisive when Anthony Marenghi saw his effort saved by Darren Jamieson.
Alloa and Rangers fought out a cup classic in the second semi-final. The tie seemed done and dusted not long after the hour mark with Rangers 2-0 up thanks to goals from Kenny Miller and Dean Shiels.
Alloa progressed thanks to a stunning fightback. Goals from Greig Spence and Ryan McCord drew the Wasps level. Spence then found himself unmarked on the edge of the box with a minute to go before firing the ball into the bottom corner, past Steve Simonsen, to secure Alloa’s spot in the final.
What is the Petrofac Final?
SPFL Championship sides Livingston and Alloa Athletic will battle it out, on Sunday the 5th of April, in the final of the Petrofac Training Cup.
The match kicks off at 4.05pm and will take place at McDiarmid Park in Perth.
Fanzone!
All supporters are invited to our fantastic fanzone on the astroturf pitch next to the stadium. There will be something for everyone!
Live music, entertainment, games, football and free food for all, courtesy of sponsors, Petrofac Training Services.
How Much?
Tickets are priced at £15 for adults, £5 for concessions with under 12s getting in for FREE as long as they are accompanied by an adult!
Where to Buy?
Livingston tickets are available from Reception at the Energy Assets Arena, Monday to Friday 8.30am-5pm or via 01506 417 000.
Alloa Athletic tickets are can be purchased from the Alloa Leisure Bowl, weekdays 6.30am-9.00pm and 9.00am-4.00pm at weekends. Alloa supporters can make a postal application via Alloa Athletic FC, Indodrill Stadium, Clackmannan Road, Alloa, Clackmannanshire, FK10 1RY before Tuesday 31st March.
How Can I Get Involved?
Once you’ve got your ticket, keep an eye on the chat on Twitter and Facebook!
For exclusive content and all the latest build up ahead of the final follow @Petrofac_Cup
Like the Petrofac Training Cup on Facebook HERE
Get involved in the chat on social media using the hashtag #PetrofacFinal
Visit the Petrofac Training Cup website HERE
