| Strathclyde Saturday Morning League: Division 1 | |
| 8th December 2007 Barlia Sports Complex |
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| Windlaw | 5 |
| Stevenson, Z.Dougall, McCaig, McKenna (2) | |
| Greenbank Utd | 2 |
| Stewart (2) | |
Team: Lunny, A.Dougall (McInally), Sinclair, Z.Dougall, McCann, McCaig, Carmichael, Taylor (McGregor), McKenna Stevenson (Campbell), McGinlay |
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Craig Logue and Ian Baird were injured for Windlaw and Thomas Taylor and Jon Stevenson came in to the line-up with Stevenson earning his first start upfront. Darren Campbell made the bench in his first appearance in a squad this season.
A very open game began well for Windlaw and neat build up play between Carmichael and McGinlay set up Jon Stevenson to stab past Greenbank’s McCondochie from close range after only 5 minutes. Greenbank though, looked dangerous going forward and had a couple of near things against a nervous looking Windlaw defence before they equalised on 15 minutes. A ball played to the edge of the box was fresh air swiped by Allan Dougall before Zanda Dougall’s attempted passback to Lunny was intercepted by Allan Stewart who followed in to score from 6 yards out. The game continued to swing from end to end and more goals were in the offing. Windlaw got the lead on 25 minutes when a good inswinging Kevin McCann corner found an unmarked Zanda Dougall only yards out and the ball hit his shins and went past a surprised McCondochie. On 34 minutes, Windlaw went 3-1 up after another corner. This time Thomas Taylor crossed brilliantly and his near-post cross was met expertly by Eck McCaig’s intelligent front post run as he glanced home his header. Surely the last time McCaig and intelligent can be used in the same sentence!
The second half provided more of the same with both sides looking dangerous when attacking, though clearly the next goal was vital. It took Windlaw until 12 minutes from time until they got the fourth and Danny McKenna stroked a sublime low right foot shot into the corner of the net that the keeper didn’t even dive for. That should have killed Greenbank off but minutes later they got one back. Initially, Greenbank’s Wardlaw should have been penalised for a dangerous looking challenge on Lunny as they challenged for a high ball. However this unsettled the big keeper and after the danger was only half-cleared, a cross from Greenbank’s left-wing was bundled home by Stewart after McCann failed to clear. Stewart then missed a snip from 4 yards out that would have made the finish interesting. However Windlaw had the final word afer substitute Darren Campbell sent Danny McKenna clear in on goal and he dinked a lovely finish over the keeper to complete a fine double for him and a good three points for the home side that takes them top of the table.
Verdict –an excellent, open, attacking game that flowed nicely for the ninety minutes. Ultimately, Windlaw had the better of the game as their defence proved stronger. Greenbank will always threaten going forward but have an achilles heel in defence. Windlaw showed good attitude and determination which will stand them in good stead for the tough run-in ahead.
MOTM – Despite a good showing from Jon Stevenson and two great finishes from Danny McKenna, the award goes to an unsung hero of the team. Colin Carmichael again passed it simply and tackled well and provided his fellow midfielders with a good platform on which to perform their trickery.
