| Strathclyde Saturday Morning League: Division 1 | |
| 16th February 2008 Barlia Sports Complex |
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| Windlaw | 0 |
| Clydebank Utd | 3 |
| Cotter (3) | |
Team: Lunny, Thornton, McInally, A.Dougall (Taylor), Sinclair, Z.Dougall, McCann (Stevenson), McCaig, (McGregor), McGinlay, Baird, Carey (McGregor) |
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Windlaw made three changes from last week’s defeat at Shawbridge with McInally, McCaig and Carey replacing Taylor, McKenna and Stevenson. Carmichael again missed out through injury. The pitch seemed treacherous and frozen underneath with the corners especially bad, however the late arrival of referee Davidson appeared to rule out a pitch inspection and the game went ahead on a bitterly cold but sunny morning.
The first half was probably edged by United whose forward play was a bit slicker. They were impressive coming down both flanks and causing Windlaw some bother. For Windlaw, Baird and McCaig in midfield were trying to support Carey and McGinlay with good forward runs but United also looked capable of quickly counter attacking during Windlaw attacks. The only goal of the half came on 29 minutes when United took the lead. A corner from their right was contested around 8 yards out and as the ball dropped, John Cotter’s snapshot flew past Lunny high into the net. Windlaw tried to respond but were finding the United defence tough to crack.
Half Time: Windlaw 0 Clydebank United 1
The second half pattern followed much the same as the first. The next goal would be vital and it was United who got it on 61 minutes. Neat build up play on their left flank resulted in the ball finding Cotter again, 14 yards out and he turned and hit a precise shot low into Lunny’s left hand corner. Windlaw looked to be handed a brief lifeline on 67 minutes when a penalty was awarded after Wullie Thornton was tripped on the bye-line. Up stepped Benny Carey who hasn’t missed all season but his weakly hit shot was easily saved by the Clydebank keeper who only had to move slightly to his left. That represented Windlaw’s last chance and on 73 minutes, United wrapped it up after a rapid counter attack left Windlaw exposed down the right hand side and the ball was finally cut back to Cotter to tap home from close range and complete a fine hat-trick. The big striker was later replaced to Windlaw’s relief. United saw the game out quite easily with some good possession football that was well orchestrated by their skipper in central midfield.
Full Time: Windlaw 0 Clydebank United 3
Windlaw Star Man- From a somewhat limited choice, Colin Sinclair probably did his job better than anyone else. He marked the extremely dangerous Denny Ross very well in what was a very difficult task.
Verdict- Another Windlaw horror show from a team whose confidence is totally shot. The effort was there but the team were totally outplayed and outthought by an excellent Clydebank side who deserve all the plaudits. They have an excellent spine with an assured keeper, strong defenders, excellent midfielders with mobile wide men and a good combination upfront with Denny Ross’s pace complimented by John Cotter’s strength. All credit to them for an excellent performance. Rarely has a team won so handsomely at Barlia.
