RAITH Rovers midfielder Steven Simmons was devastated by Aberdeen’s late leveller but still believes the Stark’s Park club can reach the quarter-finals of the Scottish Cup.

Rovers were denied a place in the last eight when Gary McDonald struck four minutes into injury time to set up a replay at Pittodrie tomorrow week.

It was a cruel blow after a commendable performance by the First Division outfit, but Simmons is convinced his side can emerge victorious in the Granite City.

He said: “It was a bit of a sickener to concede in the last minute. We are disappointed, but proud of our performance.

“We were resilient and we headed everything out of our box. We need to go out and do the same at Pittodrie. We need to put pressure on the ball and not let them play.

“We need to create chances and if we do that we have every chance.”

Simmons was denied what would have been a killer second goal by a tremen- dous second-half save from Aberdeen goalkeeper Jamie Langfield.

He added: “Langfield made a great save. It could have been 2-0. I thought it was past him but he got a hand to it. At 2-0 it might have been game over but it was not to be.

“He is a very good goalkeeper and, fair play to him, he has kept his side in the cup.”

Rovers manager John McGlynn has confidence his side can still progress from the tie.

He said: “We thought we were there. We are disappointed, but the tie is still alive and we have got to go up to Aberdeen and have a go.

“In Scottish Cup ties, you have to keep going to the last kick of the ball and, fortunately for Aberdeen, they managed to score with it.

“It is advantage Aberdeen – but they have lost six home matches this season and we have got to try to get the crowd on their back.”

(c) 2010 Press and Journal

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