Hamilton Acad v Falkirk: Cuthbert well aware of Taylor threat

Saturday 2 March 2013

SEMI-FINALS have not felt fully satisfying for Kevin Cuthbert.

Kevin Cuthbert has been in the losing team in five semi-finals

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Chris Tait

He will hope to get more out of the next one, which will come this season if Hamilton Academical can defeat Falkirk in the William Hill Scottish Cup this afternoon; progress taking the goalkeeper into the last four of a cup competition for the fifth time.

The first three each came while at St Johnstone and brought their own unique sense of disappointment, while last season felt like a new twist on a familiar tale when his Ayr United side was undone by rivals Kilmarnock in extra-time. "Always a bridesmaid and never a bride," said Cuthbert, ruefully.He can replay each episode in impressive detail – even if his third semi-final came from the bench, Alan Main facing the penalties in a shoot-out with Rangers in 2008 – but does so with his head bowed, as though still laden with the weight of each defeat. The visit of Irn-Bru First Division rivals Falkirk today does not seem quite so onerous, though, and has allowed each side to head into the quarter-final with their eyes open.It will fall to Cuthbert to ensure that Hamilton do not blink first. At 30, the goalkeeper enjoys a senior role but will expect to be brought under pressure by prolific Falkirk striker Lyle Taylor. It is the contest which could tell most on the tie since the striker has scored 25 times already this season, while Cuthbert has also noticed the enterprise which underlines such a record."We drew with them in January, when they had Johnny Flynn sent off with more than half an hour to go," said the Hamilton goalkeeper. "Once they went down to 10 men, nobody could believe his work-rate; he ran himself into the ground."Semi-finals have been hard work for Cuthbert, too, although his ambition to try again with Hamilton has not been exhausted. Having had his progress blocked by both Rangers and Celtic while at St Johnstone, it was the defeat by Kilmarnock in the League Cup – secured by Dean Shiels with a goal after 115 minutes – which has left the bigger mark. "When we saw the clock ticking down it felt as though we were going to take it to penalties," he said.Having his hope punctured at Hampden is painful but is the sort of memory that has come to provide a permanent reference point in his career. It is the sort of defining moment which Taylor has yet to experience. For now, at least."I like setting targets; it gives you something to aim for. The next thing now would be to get through in the cup – that's this weekend's target," said the Falkirk striker. "We have enjoyed the Scottish Cup this season. I've never been to Hampden, so that would be a great experience if we could get there."

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Hamilton Acad v Falkirk: Cuthbert well aware of Taylor threat

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