Changes Ahead for the Scottish Cup

Last updated : 30 May 2007 By Firparkcorner

A vote will be taken on the ending of a replay at the semi-final stage. Extra time and penalties would be used to decide the outcome in the event that teams were level after ninety minutes. The poor turnout for this season's replay when Hibs and Dunfermline rattled around the National Stadium in front of 8536 spectators was probably the final nail in the coffin of the semi replay.

Motherwell fans need no reminding of the excitement that a replay can produce. The long celebrated cup win in 1991 featured a marvellous semi replay when a pair from Arnott and unforgettable finishes from O'Neill and Kirk sent us to the final with a 4-2 win. A crowd of 31,317 turned out for that game - how times have changed!

The other proposal would result in up to four Junior clubs taking part in the competition. They would join in round one and the Qualifying Cup would not take place. This could lead to some interesting away days in the third round when we join the competition. Could we cope with a trip to sunny Bellshill Athletic, exotic Pollock or to somewhere in darkest Ayrshire?

All member clubs have a vote and the betting is that the proposals will pass.