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Last-minute goal Hibernian closer to first Scottish Cup in nearly a century
GLASGOW (Reuters) -- Substitute Tom McManus sent Hibernian into the Scottish Cup semifinals with a dramatic injury-time goal to clinch a 1-0 win at Kilmarnock on Saturday. The quarter-final tie at Rugby Park seemed certain to go to a replay until the 20-year-old striker's header in the third minute of stoppage time kept the Edinburgh club's dream alive. It has been 99 years since Hibernian, currently third in the Scottish premier league, last won the trophy. But with first division leaders Livingston -- who overcame third division Peterhead 3-1 at home -- also in the last four, Alex McLeish's team will hope to avoid Celtic and Rangers who both have ties on Sunday. "There was no way back for Kilmarnock after that," said McLeish. "It is cruel for Kilmarnock but they have a League Cup final with Celtic next week to look forward and I hope they bounce back." The clubs" fifth meeting of the season produced a tight encounter with Hibernian midfielder John O'Neil squandering two good first-half chances. McManus replaced French striker David Zitelli on the hour and his moment of glory came when Russell Latapy was fouled and took the free-kick which picked out the substitute, whose header found the roof of the net. McManus said later: "That's my fifth goal of the season but I have not started a game because the manager is trying to reach the Champions League and prefers experienced players. "We are all desperate to win the Scottish Cup for the fans, because going back to 1902 is too long a wait for a club of this stature." Livingston have only had to wait seven years for their first appearance in the last four. The club formerly known as Meadowbank Thistle only took shape once it left Edinburgh's Commonwealth Stadium and re-located in Livingston 25km away. Now they lead the first division, are on the verge of promotion to the top flight and will be playing at Hampden Park, the national stadium, in one of next month's semifinals. Yet they went behind at Almondvale Stadium -- where FIFA president Sepp Blatter, who was attending the International Board conference in Edinburgh, was a guest -- after Martin Johnston fired Peterhead in front after seven minutes. Livingston defender John Anderson replied with two goals, equalizing in the 20th minute when he steered in Barry Wilson's free-kick and then making it 2-1 with a 35th minute shot. Striker David Bingham made it 3-1 in 64 minutes with his 20th goal of the season. Livingston general manager Jim Leishman said: "Getting to the semifinals is fantastic for this club. The players made history -- people forget we are only seven years old." Peterhead manager Ian Wilson, who played for Everton in the 1989 English FA Cup Final and coached in Turkey and Japan, reflected: "If we had taken another chance when we were 1-0 up it might have been a different story, but we only came into the Scottish League in August, so we have come a long way." On Sunday, league leaders Celtic are at home to Hearts while holders Rangers travel to Dundee United in the other two quarterfinal ties.
Copyright 2003 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved.
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