Match Report

Greater Glasgow League Division 3
20th September 2008 St Margaret Marys Secondary
Windlaw	4
McCaig, Taylor, Carey(2)
Ashvale Victoria	1

Windlaw Team: J McKenna, Wilson, McInally, Kerr, McCann, Taylor (Thornton), Carey (G.McGregor), McCaig, Black (D.McKenna, Fitzpatrick, McGinlay
Referee: Frank McLachlan

Fine overhead conditions were not matched by those underfoot as the pitch was very muddy in the central areas and both goal areas were very poor. It does not augur well for the long winter months ahead. Windlaw had to make three enforced changes with Kevin McCann replacing Zanda Dougall in the defence with Chris Kerr coming in from right back and McCann covering that position. Thomas Taylor replaced Stuart Lunny wide right and James McKenna made his first appearance of the season in goals when he replaced John Lunny who eventually had to succumb to recurring back problems. Lunny’s replacement though was also returning from injury and there was pre-match concern as he had to receive extensive treatment on his ankle which flared up during the warm-up. He was however deemed fit to start although his defence were aware of potential kicking problems he may have.

Despite some initial uncertainty in defence in the opening minutes, Windlaw settled and set about the task. Fitzpatrick was once again orchestrating from the middle and up front, Davie McGinlay was giving Ashvale’s defenders a hard time using his strength well. Ashvale had a decent long throw but Windlaw were well organised and committed in clearing them away. Eventually the breakthrough came when Fitzpatrick turned well and played in McCann. Carey and McGinlay had pulled the Ashvale defenders wide and McCann’s excellent pass found Eck McCaig running into the space in the heart of their defence. He had time to bring it down and fire home from 12 yards past the exposed keeper. The lead lasted only minutes as a high speculative ball into the Windlaw box was contested by Vics centre-forward plus Kerr and McInally. McInally was adjudged to have fouled while the ball was in mid-air and there was amazement as ref McLachlan pointed to the spot as Ashvale never even appealed. The penalty was neatly dispatched nonetheless as Windlaw felt rightly aggreived. Composure was quickly recovered and Windlaw retook the lead when McCann’s long throw caused mayhem in Ashvale’s area and Taylor headed home for his second goal in as many games. Just before half-time, a third was added when Kevin Black bore down on goal from the left wing. His initial shot was parried back to him and he showed excellent awareness to tap the rebound across goal, where Benny Carey pounced to smash it home for his first of the season. Davie McGinlay then forced the Ashvale keeper into a fine low save just round the post.

Half Time: Windlaw 3 Ashvale Victoria 1

A solid second-half start was essential and again Windlaw produced one. James McKenna was rarely tested while Windlaw looked threatening. The fourth and decisive goal was the best of the game. Kevin Black’s pass back to Paul McInally was then chipped through to Chris Kerr who had pounded from his defensive beat to the left wing. As the ball bounced, his excellent header towards the box was met by Benny Carey and he produced a sublime side-foot finish to effectively end the contest. Substitute Danny McKenna fired just wide of the left hand post late on and Ashvale hit the top of the bar late on as both teams tried to add to their tally as the game was played out.

Full Time: Windlaw 4 Ashvale Victoria 1

Summing-Up: An excellent Windlaw performance full of determination and purpose. The team recovered well from the blow of conceding a soft penalty and showed great discipline. Full credit to Ashvale who never once gave up and will be tough to beat this season.

Star Man- Again not a failure on the home side but two players stood out and couldn’t be seperated. Chris Kerr was absolutely immense at the back and Davie McGinlay again led the line magnificently and gave the Ashvale back line a torrid 90 minutes.

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