| Strathclyde Saturday Morning League: Division 1 | |
| 6th October 2007 Barlia Sports Complex |
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| Windlaw | 3 |
| McCaig, Taylor, McGinlay | |
| Greenhills Dynamo | 1 |
| O'Hanlon | |
Team: Lunny, A.Dougall, Thornton, Sinclair, Z.Dougall, McCann, Taylor(Baird), McCaig, Carmichael, McKenna(McGregor), McGinlay |
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Windlaw went into this game on a good run of form, unbeaten in 5 league games, with Greenhills Dynamo at the other end of the scale, only winning once in 5 games. However, history tells you form means nothing in these games. Windlaw were at full strength for the match against their rivals, and manager Martin Kerr made 2 changes to the team with Danny McKenna and Eck McCaig coming in for Paul McInally and Benny Carey.
Windlaw started well and took the lead through Eck McCaig in the 15th minute. A Windlaw cross into the box was deflected into the path of the diminutive frontman, who had his back to goal. He simply swivelled and blasted the ball into the corner, giving Dynamo keeper Whyte no chance.
Windlaw doubled their lead after 22 minutes with a brilliantly executed move. Allan Dougall won the ball at right back and played a neat pass down the line to Kevin McCann. McCann beat his man, drilled a cross into the box and Thomas Taylor’s fine burst into the near post was rewarded when he fired home at the near post from close range. Windlaw were 2-0 up and in control of the game, with Greenhills not offering a great deal in attack. However, with Mick Donnelly up against you, the defence had to be on their toes at all times. The 2 Dougalls were doing a fine job at the back however, marshalling him and Murtha well
Half-time Windlaw 2 Greenhills Dynamo 0
The second half started at a frantic pace, with Greenhills coming out the traps quickly, obviously keen to get an early goal and get back in the game. The visitors were enjoying a lot of possession however there was no penetration in their attacks and Windlaw were quite happy to let them have it
Windlaw could have made it 3-0 when a penalty was awarded for a crude foul on Eck McCaig. After fighting off McGinlay’s attempts at snatching the ball for the kick, Kevin McCann stepped up but blasted wide of the target.
This rejuvenated Dynamo even more and they continued to search for a goal.
It was Windlaw who grabbed the third goal of the game through prolific hitman Davie McGinlay. Allan Dougall took the ball out wide but cut in and chipped a fine cross for McGinlay. The red hot striker’s looping header beat the keeper and into the net. A top drawer finish for the on form hitman!
The game was over now and Greenhills seemed deflated, however they did score a consolation 5 minutes later when a mix-up at a defensive set piece allowed O’Hanlon in to nod home. They could’ve grabbed another to really put pressure on the home side, but a brilliant last man slide tackle from Kevin McCann cleared the danger from Donnelly who was ready to pull the trigger.
The scoring ended there, but sub Duncan McGregor almost added a 4th late on. The young striker was clean through on goal and was denied a goal after a brilliant last ditch tackle by the towering Greenhills defender.
Full-time Windlaw 3 Greenhills Dynamo 1
Verdict: The game was not as closely fought as previous encounters with our EK rivals and Windlaw deserved to win the match. Windlaw allowed Dynamo to have possession in the 2nd half, but they badly miss the influence and creativity of Cullie and Hughes in centre midfield. Windlaw performed well however, with the defence coping with Donnelly and Murtha up front and Davie McGinlay enjoying another fine match up front and maintaining his excellent scoring record. Kevin McCann also had an excellent shift on the right hand side and made an important last ditch tackle at a crucial stage of the game.
MOTM – Davie McGinlay continued his brilliant run of form and impressive scoring record with a superb display and excellent goal. Davie is maturing quickly and his level of performance is constantly improving. On target to beat his goal tally from last season
