BLANTYRE VICS boss Davie Greig paid tribute to a "wonderful group of players" after the Castle Park side qualified for the Euroscot Eng Central League Cup final with a 3-1 victory at Yoker.

And they will face Thorniewood United after the Super First side pulled off a sensational great escape by beating Vale of Clyde on penalties after a 2-2 draw over 90 minutes.

The final, to be played at Pollok's Newlandsfield Park next Thursday, will be Vics' THIRD cup final this term.

Goals by David Galt, Mark Thompson and Fraser Malcolm were enough to see off Yoker, who replied through David Crerand.

Greig said: "Yoker are the 11th Super League team we've played this season in a cup-tie, and we've yet to lose, which isn't bad for a Central District side.

"In fact, we haven't been beaten in a cup-tie this season over 90 minutes, which is another astonishing statistic.

"But I've run out of superlatives to use about my players. Once again they've come up trumps and I can't pay them a high enough tribute."

Vics went ahead at Holm Park in 27 minutes through Galt, but Crerand levelled just before the break.

Thomson fired the visitors ahead from the penalty spot five minutes after the re-start, and Malcolm clinched victory with the third 12 minutes from time.

Greig said: "After the game, one of my players came into the dressing room and asked, 'where do we get the energy from?' and I couldn't answer him.

"It wasn't the prettiest match I've watched this season but it was all about getting over the line.

"Now we have two cup finals - including the Evening Times Champions' Cup against Pollok - to look forward to at Newlandsfield within five days. It's incredible."

Vics will face Andy Frame's Thorniewood, who also showed bags of resilience to see off plucky Vale of Clyde at Robertson Park.

The Tin Pail were two up, but Brian Johnston got a goal back for Wood just before the break.

Connor Lennon was on target for the home side in the second half and the comeback was complete when Thorniewood won a penalty shoot-out 5-3.

Goalkeeper Matt Creechan was the hero for Wood with a stunning penalty save, and will now look to help his side win their first cup in 50 years next Thursday.