| Strathclyde Cup Round 1 | |
| 1st March 2008 Barlia Sports Centre |
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| Windlaw | 2 |
| McGinlay, Larkin | |
| Tradeteam Exel | 0 |
Team: Borg, A.Dougall, McInally, Sinclair, Thornton, Larkin, McCann, Wilson, Murtagh (G.McGregor), Carey (D.McGregor), McGinlay |
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WINDLAW SEE OFF TOUGH TRADETEAM CHALLENGE TO PROGRESS
Changes galore for Windlaw who had Ian Baird and Jon Stevenson injured and Thomas Taylor out through work commitments. Skipper Zanda Dougall, Eck McCaig, Danny McKenna and Colin Carmichael were all suspended so too was keeper John Lunny ending a remarkable sequence of 106 consecutive competitive appearances for the club dating back to May 2005. New signing Stuart Borg had the tough task of replacing Lunny. The squad was stretched to breaking point but in came Barry Murtagh, Wullie Wilson and Anthony Larkin into the starting line-up. Windlaw could list only two subs in George and Duncan McGregor such was the player shortage.
Windlaw in a new black kit had a strong chilly wind behind them in the first half and had just the better of the opening exchanges without carving Tradeteam open too often. Tradeteam’s Number 8 looked a fine player and was behind all their best moves. David McGinlay looked in the mood and fizzed a shot just wide from distance early on. Windlaw keeper Borg then made a smart save low down at his right hand post turning a shot for a corner. Windlaw’s breakthrough came on 27 minutes after David McGinlay tenaciously chased down a Tradeteam defender near the byeline. He got the ball, skipped past a challenge then squeezed a low shot just inside Ronnie McIntosh’s left hand post to give Windlaw the lead. There were few other chances till half-time with Windlaw slightly concerned that they hadn’t made enough of the strong wind and Tradeteam still well in the game.
Half Time: Windlaw 1 Tradeteam Exel 0
The expected onslaught from Tradeteam never really arrived and the Windlaw defence were fairly comfortable. David McGinlay smashed a shot off the top of the bar. The lively Barry Murtagh moved upfront as Duncan McGregor replaced Benny Carey. The clinching goal came on 71 minutes from a Windlaw corner from the right. What looked like a regulation catch was spilled by Ronnie McIntosh and Anthony Larkin was standing just behind him to take full advantage and tap home from close range. Basically, that killed the tie although Windlaw continued to look dangerous and Tradeteam never gave up in a tie well handled by referee Ian Oliphant.
Full Time: Windlaw 2 Tradeteam Exel 0
Windlaw Star Man- a joint award this week as it was too difficult to separate Allan Dougall’s and David McGinlay’s contributions. Dougall shored up the defence excellently in a more unfamiliar central role and passed it well while McGinlay led the line superbly and got a goal through his endeavours. A word too for keeper Stuart Borg who handled everything immaculately and kicked well. A very good debut in difficult circumstances, given the unsettled nature of the side.
Verdict- Windlaw desperately needed a victory at all costs and they got it more through hard graft than style but it was just what was needed. The attitude was good and everyone worked hard. With so many changes to the team and influential players missing, Martin Kerr and Colin Carmichael will be just relieved to get over this hurdle. Full credit to Joe Hughes' Tradeteam who are a very good young side and look good value for the third division title. We wish them well.
