Skelton Still Haunted By Skeleton In Cupboard

Jan 20 2008 By Gavin Berry

Gretna V Morton Wed, Kick-Off 7.45pm

GAVIN SKELTON can't even bring himself to watch a re-run of his Scottish Cup Final heartache - and still imagines rewriting history by blasting the winning goal in the final minute.

The Gretna midfielder was the sinner in the penalty shoot-out two years ago when he missed the decisive spot-kick that handed the trophy to Hearts.

It still haunts Skelton but he hopes a run in the tournament this season can help ease the pain.

He aims to book a fifth-round place with a win over Morton in the midweek replay and said: "I've got a DVD of the whole cup final day but have never watched the game because it would be too painful - it's the ending I don't like.

"When it went to penalties I thought we had them. I shared a room with Steve Tosh the night before and said I thought it would go to spot-kicks and when it did I'd smash mine down the middle.

"When the moment came I should have aimed a bit lower.

"I've dreamed about righting the wrongs of that day. Even in training when the ball is crossed I'm back at Hampden in the last minute and this time I score the winner.

"I'll probably watch the game one day after I've packed it in and it might be a bit easier if there are some good cup memories for me between now and then."

Skelton's former team-mate Ryan McGuffie - who scored for Gretna in that final - is looking forward to facing his old mate at Fir Park for the second time in quick succession since joining Morton.

McGuffie made his debut for Ton in the 2-2 draw eight days ago and said: "It was a bit strange playing against my old team but I enjoyed it.

"I was up against Gavin and it was bizarre because not only were we at Gretna together but were both there from the start and I know his game inside out.

"He is a sitting midfielder who keeps hold of the ball well and I found him a difficult opponent.

"Being such good friends I was talking to him during the game which was quite surreal.

"I also stayed with Kenny Deuchar that night because I was at a birthday party in Stirling and he lives nearby in Denny.

"So I enjoyed some banter with him but now I hope I have the last laugh on the pair of them and the rest of my old team-mates.

"We have a good chance and showed real character to come from two down in the first game.

"If we show that form again from the start I see no reason why we can't win to set up a meeting with Queen of the South."