Tranent FC and Caledonian Braves serve up six-goal Scottish Cup classic

Tranent FC and Caledonian Braves produced a breathless 3-3 draw in the Scottish Cup on 24 October 2026, with a stoppage-time equaliser denying Tranent a famous victory. The tie swung one way and then the other, and the replay now gives both sides another opportunity to claim a place in the next round.

Match overview

The game was end-to-end from the first whistle, with both teams committing numbers forward and leaving space at the back. Tranent FC looked sharp in the attacking third and twice led in the first half, but Caledonian Braves refused to go away and kept finding responses. The final 20 minutes were chaotic, with Tranent edging ahead for a third time before Braves found a dramatic late leveller.

Key moments

• 9th minute: Ben Miller opened the scoring for Tranent FC with a composed finish after a quick break down the right.
• 17th minute: Lewis Hunter equalized for Caledonian Braves with a powerful strike from the edge of the box.
• 33rd minute: Ryan Waddell restored Tranent's lead, turning in a low cross from close range.
• 52nd minute: Jack Duncan made it 2-2 for Braves, finishing off a flowing team move through the middle.
• 68th minute: Miller grabbed his second of the match to put Tranent 3-2 ahead.
• 90+3 minutes: Cammy Bell headed home a deep free-kick to complete a dramatic comeback for Caledonian Braves.

Tactical story

Both sides lined up in attacking 4-3-3 formations, and the match quickly became a contest of transitions rather than sustained control. Tranent FC tried to play through the lines and were rewarded when their wide players found space, while Caledonian Braves used their midfield runners to break beyond the forward line. Defensively, both teams struggled to protect their back four, which is why the game produced six goals and so many late chances.

Standout players

Miller was the standout performer for Tranent FC, scoring twice and causing problems with his movement throughout. Hunter was Caledonian Braves' driving force in midfield and capped his display with a well-taken goal. Bell's late header will be remembered as the moment that kept Braves in the competition, while both goalkeepers were kept busy in a frantic second half.

Season impact

The draw keeps both clubs in the Scottish Cup and sets up a replay full of intrigue. Tranent FC will be disappointed to concede so late after scoring three times away from home, while Caledonian Braves will take real belief from their persistence. With the tie still alive, neither side will feel the job is done.