ABERDOUR'S shinty stars reached their first ever major final after they won a tension-filled South of Scotland plate clash with Bute on penalties.

After a thrilling 2-2 draw in the semi-final at Silver Sands on Saturday, Darren Coyle held his nerve to net the winning penalty and send Dour to the final.

And they managed it without their regular goalkeeper whose car broke down on the way to the match!

Michael Lightbody stepped in between the posts but Bute made the brighter start, pinning the home side back in their own half. But Dour eventually came to terms with the pace of the game which became an enthralling end-to-end encounter.

After a goalless first half, Aberdour took the lead on the hour mark as Cameron MacCue steered the ball home but Bute were level on 78 minutes through John MacCallum.

Coyle thought he had won the game for the home side just two minutes later but in the final seconds, MacCallum fired home his second to force the contest into extra-time. The additional period brought no further goals and with the sides level at 2-2 after five penalties each in the shoot-out, Coyle stepped up to net the sudden death winner to send Aberdour through to play either Ballachulish or Strachur on 5th July.

Coach Lisa Norman said, "That was one of the most intense and nerve-wracking games of the season. It was a thrilling game and we should've finished it in extra-time, but in the end the right result prevailed. Although we are playing for the plate after being knocked out of the Celtic Cup, to make a final is great. Although they haven't been doing too well, it is the first final that the senior team have reached and we've got the semi-final of the Balliemore Cup to come. It's an exciting time for the club." This weekend the seniors are away to Glenorchy, while the 2nds visit Ballachulish. Both matches have a 12pm throw-up.