GOWDIE progressed to the final of the Scottish Cup, overcoming the much fancied Tower Hearts side on penalties at Holm Park.

In a highly anticipated match Tower began strongest and went close through frontman Graham Boyd whilst Scott Smith sent Gowdie’s first real chance high and wide.

Tower took the lead after 14 minutes when Boyd’s knockdown from a set-piece found his strike partner Jamie Boyle unmarked who fired low past Wilson to open the scoring.

But Gowdie roared back into the game and went close again through Sean Burns’ free-kick and full-back Steven Dock whilst Boyd and Boyle continued to pose a real danger for Tower.

Shaun Fraser was next to try his luck for Gowdie but Darrly Jones made a good stop.

Gowdie came out in much more determined fashion after the restart and were level early on when Fraser manufactured a good chance for himself after a mistake by full-back Barbour, the big striker kept his composure to round Jones before slotting by defender Calum Nolan and into the goal.

The goal gave Gowdie a huge lift as did the introduction of Danny Gibson in attack as Tower went on the back foot resorting to long-balls at the twin target men which was being dealt with comfortably by Gowdie’s defence.

Playmaker Shaun Kelly drifted to a wide area for Gowdie to try to create more chances and his through-ball almost found Gary Hynes.

Tower introduced Kyle Gallagher in an attempt to get themselves back in the game and his pace down the right-flank saw him race clear of Smith only to be met by a thundering Gow challenge as he drove for goal.

Nerves and tiredness began to creep in as both sides seemed content to settle for extra-time.

Richard Henry’s fresh legs in midfield saw Gowdie shade the game in the additional period with Gibson and Hynes troubling with their pace and movement.

The best opportunity in extra-time fell to Hynes when Jones spilled a long-range drive from Smith but he smashed his rebound against the keeper who reacted quickly. Both teams piled players forward at set-piece opportunities but chances were at a premium as spot-kicks loomed.

Boyle stepped up first for Tower from 12 yards but Wilson dived to his right, saving with his legs, Henry gave Gowdie an advantage converting their first which was followed by Allan slotting home for Tower.

Hynes smashed home his effort to put Gowdie back in front then Rhys Donaldson held his head in his hands as Wilson this time went left to block his effort.

Kieran O’Brien made it three from three for Gowdie leaving Gary Craig under pressure to keep his side in it. The striker was left to rue his miss as Wilson’s stop saw Gowdie progress to the final where they will meet holders Campsie Black Watch.

Goldenhill: Wilson, Dock, Smith, Manley, Burns (Henry), Gow, O’Brien, Campbell (Hannway), Fraser (Hynes), Kelly, Morrison (Gibson), Toye, McColl.