| Strathclyde Saturday Morning League Division 1 | |
| 5th April 2008 Barlia Sports Centre |
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| Windlaw | 3 |
| McGregor, Larkin, McKena | |
| Forest | 1 |
| Guest | |
Team: Lunny, A.Dougall, Z.Dougall, Sinclair, Taylor(Carey), Larkin, McCann, McCaig (G.McGregor), McKenna, D.McGregor, McGinlay |
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Windlaw played their first competitive match since March 15th and were still searching for a first league win in 2008. Relegation threatened Forest were hardly the ideal team to be playing as they fought to cling on to their Division 1 status. Just recently, Forest put a small dent in Blochairn's title hopes after an impressive 2-1 win in Clydebank, so the outcome was never clear cut despite the difference in league positions.
Two enforced changes for Windlaw as Anthony Larkin came in for Wullie Thornton and Eck McCaig came in for Ian Baird. Windlaw lined up in a familiar 3-5-2.
Windlaw started well and went ahead inside 10 minutes. A brilliantly defence splitting pass by Danny McKenna found Duncan McGregor, who coolly slotted home for his 2nd goal in his 3rd consecutive start.
Forest knew only a victory would do and played more attack minded than usual at barlia. They were knocking it about confidently and got an equaliser through Scott Guest. Windlaw's kamikaze defending saw them push out to try and play offside, but they seemed to forget about the man with the ball and as the defence was wide open, Guest duly took advantage and nutmegged the on rushing Lunny.
Windlaw were still threatening and a stunning stop from the Forest keeper prevented Kevin McCann from making it 2-1. Davie McGinlay found himself in a good position but drew his shot wide as Windlaw turned the screw.
Windlaw looked threatening for the remainder of the half, but couldn't get that crucial second goal.
Half Time: Windlaw 1 Forest 1
Windlaw started the second half well but looked to be tiring after a fortnight without a game was beginning to show. They continued to attack the Forest goal, but a combination of poor finishing and bad uck saw the score remain at 1-1. That was until Anthony Larkin was the benefactor of a rare Forest defensive mistake and slotted home from close range
Forest threw men forward as they had nothing to lose from the game as it stood. Forest's number 6 in particular was causing difficulty for Windlaw with his surging runs from midfield and looked the biggest threat to Windlaw's slender lead.
Inevitably though, with Forest pusing men up the park, it left gaps at the back and WIndlaw extended their lead to 3-1. Danny McKenna's superb chest control and turn allowed him to get a shot on goal and he unleashed an unstoppable effort into he top corner of the Forest net, despite the keeper getting a hand to it.
That seemed to deflate Forest and WIndlaw could have gone on to score a few more goals, with Duncan McGregor most noticably blazing over the bar when he should have scored
Full Time: Windlaw 3 Forest 1
Verdict- A league win in 2008 at long last, however it was ironic that the title challenge officially ended the same day, as Blochairn claimed the 3 points necessary to make it mathematically impossible for Windlaw to win the league. It was inevitable though after a poor league run in 2008. Windlaw must now concentrate on winning the remaining games of the season to build some momentum and mount a challenge for the Strathclyde Cup. That alongside a decent final position in the league is the objective for the remainder of the season. A word for Forest though as they battle to stay in the top division. For as long as I can remember, Forest have been in the top division and have given Windlaw some cracking games over the years, particularly at John Browns. They face a desperate fight to maintain that status as they trail Clydebank by a point and have played 3 games more, but with gutsy displays against us and Blochairn recently, they look like have the stomach for the fight. They, more than any other team, seem to be the biggest losers with Airdieonians withdrawal from the league. We wish Richy and his boys all the best for the remainder of the season
