Greater Glasgow Amateur Premier League
	Division 3
	Glasgow Green Football Complex
	Tue 17th March 2009
	Windlaw	2 - 2	Crosslands
	Scorers: Burns (12, 24)		Scorers: Pinnions (34), Drew (80)
	Team: Lunny, A.Dougall, McInally, Z.Dougall, Tierney (Simpson), Burns, McKenna, McCaig, Taylor (Humphreys), Carmichael (Kerr), Carey		Team: n/a
	H-T: 2-1
	Referee: Frank McLachlan

Two changes for Windlaw with Allan Dougall and Colin Carmichael replacing Chris Kerr and Paul Humphreys who were on the bench. The lack of left sided players was again all too evident with Bruce Tierney in at left back and Thomas Taylor having to play in front of him. Conditions were perfect on the large 3G pitch and no excuses could be offered unlike recent matches.

Windlaw took control early on and looked the more likely team. Danny McKenna fired just over with a decent long range effort. The deadlock was broken on 12 minutes and Simon Burns got it from one of the best goals this season. Cutting in from the right, the Crosslands defence backed off but he evaded three challenges and crashed his shot past Devine from 16 yards. A fantastic strike. Windlaw took a lift and their superiority grew as Crosslands struggled. Burns was again the man on 24 minutes with another excellent goal again wriggling free in the box before dispatching a shot low into Devine’s bottom left hand corner. Crosslands had created little and Windlaw’s defence were coping well. However Crosslands were allowed back into it on 34 minutes after a Windlaw attack. Devine’s punt towards the halfway line was miscontrolled by Eck McCaig who was covering and the ball flew past last man McInally into the path of Craig Pinnons who had a clear run in on goal. As he advanced Lunny did well to block his initial effort but the rebound fell nicely for him and he steadied himself before placing it home despite the best efforts of Burns on the line. The goal had unsettled Windlaw who had to make do with a single goal advantage at the break.

Half Time: Windlaw AFC 2 - 1 Crosslands   

After the break Crosslands seized the initiative. It was clear Windlaw were struggling. Lunny had to make a superb save low down at his left hand post as the pressure mounted. A few corners were forced but Windlaw remained quite resolute. The passing and crossing though lacked the conviction of the opening period noticeably. Trialist Tam Simpson replaced Bruce Tierney at left back then Chris Kerr came on for Colin Carmichael. Devine pulled off a fine save from another McKenna effort as Windlaw looked for a killer third but it was no surprise when the equaliser came on 80 minutes. An inswinging corner from Crosslands right dropped to the back post bouncing unluckily off Thomas Taylor and fell beautifully for John Drew who poked home from only 4 yards out. Both sides then went for the winner as the game became stretched. It was Windlaw who came closest in injury time after a corner bobbled about inside the box and eventually sat up for Tam Simpson whose shot got a deflection but was brilliantly cleared off the line by a defender. This ended a miserable night with two more valuable points dropped 

Full Time: Windlaw AFC 2 - 2 Crosslands

Verdict: A night of crushing disappointment for Windlaw and automatic promotion is now almost certainly gone with Drumchapel and Cambuslang boasting perfect records. This was a night when the game should have been won but Crosslands first goal visibly changed the pattern when Windlaw were well on top. Thirteen vital points have now been shipped, far too many at this stage. Crosslands as always battled hard and probably deserved their point on this alone although the manner of the goals Windlaw conceded was very poor.

Windlaw Star Man: The two goals alone get Simon Burns the award

 

 

 

 

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