| Greater Glasgow Premier AFL: Division 3 | |
| 22nd March 2008 Linwood Sports Centre |
|
| Garnock Valley | 0 |
| Windlaw | 0 |
| Team: Lunny, Sinclair, Tierney, McInally, A.Dougall, Black, McCaig, Wilson, McKenna, G.McGregor, D.McGregor | |
| Referee: Tony Crilley | |
Both sides finally matched up in the league at the seventh time of asking. Conditions were heavy underfoot and a fairly strong wind was behind Windlaw in the first half. The game began quite evenly with Windlaw trying to get George and Duncan McGregor some decent service upfront to work with. Danny McKenna was playing the scheming role superbly behind the front two and Duncan McGregor was beginning to give Pringle a torrid time down Windlaw’s right flank. The young striker continues to improve on each outing and this was another good experience against a tight defence. Valley too were struggling to create openings and Black and skipper McCaig were thwarting their wide players from getting in behind the Windlaw defence. The big moment in the half came on 38 minutes when a cutback from the byeline in the Windlaw box was smashed towards goal by Kincaid from only 6 yards out. Amazingly from point blank range, Lunny produced the most amazing save to miracolously turn the ball past the right hand post when a goal seemed certain. This was easily the best chance of a very even half when defences where generally on top.
Half Time: Garnock Valley 0 Windlaw 0
The second half quickly followed the pattern of the first and Windlaw continued to frustrate Valley while looking threatening themselves. Dougall and Wilson were fighting for everything in central midfield while Tierney and Sinclair were excellently snuffing out the threat of McDevitt and Kincaid. Clear cut goalscoring opportunities continued to be at a premium and sheer hard work rather than craft was the order of the day. As the half continued, Windlaw began to tire slightly and Valley’s league challenge meant that they began to press slightly more. McDevitt almost broke the deadlock after a long throw into the Windlaw box landed at his feet, however a desperate McInally block averted the danger. At the other end, Danny McKenna had a fine jinking run to the edge of the box, however his shot was straight at Thom. With four minutes remaining, Valry blew their final chance when a ball finally got through the tiring Windlaw defence to McDevitt. He advanced in on goal, however his shot was blocked by another superb Lunny save which was enough to give Windlaw a thoroughly deserved point.
Full Time: Garnock Valley 0 Windlaw 0
Verdict: A very hard won, but deserved point for a very well organised and committed Windlaw unit. Although this was not our prettiest display of football, this was a ground where Windlaw shipped eight goals in September. The team is still hurting from such defeats and is learning quickly how to respond. Garnock again were a very good side and will probably go straight up, although their discipline went at the end due to frustration and they were fortunate to escape at least one red card for violent conduct.
Star Man- an impossibility to award and single someone out ahead of any other. Each player’s attitude and commitment was top class. Unity was the key and similarly, the team share the award. An outstanding show of defiance against the odds.
