| Strathclyde Saturday Morning League:Division 1 | |
| 14 October 2006 Barlia Sports Complex |
|
| Windlaw | 2 |
| Campbell (2) | |
| Clydebank Thistle | 3 |
| Team: Lunny, McInally, Z.Dougall, A.Dougall (Docherty), McCann, Neeson, Tierney (Campbell), Thornton, McCaig, Kerr, McCabe | |
| Referee: Michael McGeechan | |
Windlaw made 2 changes from the Scottish Cup defeat at Stedfast for the visit of the league leaders. Ian Baird and Danny McKenna were unavailable, allowing starting berths for Chris Kerr and Bruce Tierney in midfield. Wullie Wilson and Darren Campbell joined Martin Docherty on a bench in which Windlaw could only name 3 substitutes. An injury list now compiling Player/Manager Benny Carey, Colin Sinclair, Davie McGinley and Scott Williamson joined the unavailable Colin Carmichael, Steph McCann and Peter Herbison in sitting this game out as injury, suspension and work commitments ravage the squad.
Windlaw started the game looking sloppy and lacking sharpness and the zest and hunger of the visitors seemed to unsettle them. After only 10 minutes, Thistle went ahead after a neat passing move inside the Windlaw half carved Windlaw’s dozy back-line open. The ball was threaded through to the Thistle striker just inside the box and he advanced to slot comfortably past the exposed John Lunny. This was the cue for a disastrous first-half from which Windlaw would not recover. A second goal followed on 23 minutes and even by this Windlaw defence’s standards, the manner of the concession was quite unbelievable. A long-throw into the Windlaw box missed everyone and landed on the 6 yard line. As John Lunny dived forward to collect, he missed the ball and it struck the legs of a static McInally behind him. It then spun up towards goal and despite an attempted clearance off the line by Bruce Tierney, the ball found the inside of the side-netting without a Thistle player in sight. Ridiculous defending and a present for Thistle who were already playing well enough without them. The confidence visibly drained from the Windlaw players as the standard of their play went from bad to worse. Little was being created by way of chances at the other end. In 43 minutes,came the killer third goal which put the hosts out of their misery. Confusion at the half-way line between Neeson, Zanda Dougall and McInally, saw a pass dinked forward to the Clydebank striker who was clearly offside. No award was given and he raced through on goal and slotted past Lunny for the decisive strike of the game. 3-0 and game effectively over by the break.
Half-Time: Windlaw 0 Clydebank Thistle 3
For Windlaw, Darren Campbell replaced Bruce Tierney at half-time. There was a slight improvement in their play as Thistle seemed content to sit on their lead and sit deep in their own half. Windlaw got a goal back on 58 minutes. A free-kick was played to Allan Dougall and his chip over the onrushing Clydebank defence found John McCabe onside and through on goal. The keeper rushed out and parried his shot at the edge of the box but Darren Campbell followed up and fired home with his left foot. Kevin McCann then lost his marker in the box and fired in a superb shot which the keeper somehow touched onto the bar. Campbell was unable to convert the rebound with his header. Despite heavy pressure, Thistle with Patterson outstanding at the back defended resolutely and it was not until 80 minutes that Windlaw scored their second. A scramble ensued in the Thistle box and the ball fell kindly again to Darren Campbell who coolly slotted home. Thistle then missed a glorious chance to seal it when their forward broke clear clear 30 yards out. He advanced in on Lunny but somehow managed to slip his right-foot shot a yard past the post. This gave Windlaw some feint hope but despite corners and throw-ins, Thistle held on well to take the victory.
Full-Time: Windlaw 2 Clydebank Thistle 3
Verdict: Black October is once again upon us. A lifeless, insipid, error-strewn performance which words really cannot sum up. Congratulations to Thistle whose organised and hard-working approach paid off. Their first season in the top-flight may earn them the title on this form. A special word of praise for their goalkeeper who produced two stunning saves at key times in this match.
Website Man Of The Match: Shug Neeson-the skipper did his best to inspire those around him despite his efforts being in vein. A special mention must also go to Darren Campbell for his two-goal substitute performance. An excellent effort from him considering it was his first appearance of the season which leaves the management wondering what could have been, had he been available more often.
