Greater Glasgow Amateur Premier League
	Division 3Play-Off Final
	Northolm Park, Giffnock
	Friday 14th May 2010
	Windlaw	3 - 2	Craigneuk
	Scorers: Johnstone, Hepburn, McCann		Scorers:
	Team: Lunny, McInally (Thomas), McCann, Wilson, Carr, Hepburn, McCaig, Docherty, McGeachy, McKenna (Baird), Johnstone Subs: Granger, Kerr		Team: Semrau, Rooney, Duddy, Phillips, Murray, Collins, O'Neill, Clarke, Thomson, McKnight, Fraser Subs: McKenzie, Thomson, Thomson, Moon, Lynas
			H-T: 2-0
			Referee: Colin Simpson

McCANN MISSILE SEALS DRAMATIC TITLE WIN

Windlaw made three changes from their final league game at Busby last Saturday with Calum Granger, Thomas Taylor and Ian Baird dropping down to the bench. In came Chris Carr, Eck McCaig and Stephen Docherty into a central midfield position having previously been deployed as a striker. Tam Simpson began the first of a four game ban. The pitch at the home of Giffnock North was as usual in fine condition although just a little dry and fiery in parts, not surprising at this time of the season. Both teams lined up as respective winners of Divisions 3A and 3B but with only one trophy up for grabs to be overall champions, they were both desperate to cap their seasons with the silverware.

Both teams started well but Windlaw went ahead with their first real attack in only the third minute. Chris Hepburn for the first time of many on the night beat the full back on the left wing and arced in a magnificent cross into the Craigneuk area where Greg Johnstone got up really early and powered a looping header across keeper Semerau into the corner of the net to give Windlaw a dream start. Craigneuk tried to hit back and at times the tackling was tough with Eck McCaig receiving a bloodied nose after one such tackle but the young Wishaw side had a spark and energy about them always although at times they failed to provide a cutting edge. In 21 minutes Windlaw doubled their lead and it was wing wizard Hepburn who provided the magic again. A Craigneuk defenders poor pass out was intercepted by him and as he drove forward he smashed a low curling shot into the corner of the net from 22 yards out to put his side firmly in the driving seat. Windlaw looked dangerous almost every time they attacked and came so close to a third when Hepburn’s smash across goal was touched goalwards by Greg Johnstone onto the inside of the post but somehow was scrambled to safety. The half finished with Craigneuk failing to call John Lunny into any serious action but at only two down they were still well in the game. 

Half Time: Windlaw 2 - 0 Craigneuk

Again Windlaw started well and threatened to put the game to bed early on. Greg Johnstone missed a glorious chance to seal it when he pounced after a Craigneuk defender completely missed his kick but with only Semerau to beat he shanked his shot just past the post. There was a feeling that a turning point in the game was being reached and this was further reinforced minutes later when Semerau then produced an absolutely amazing save from Johnstone this time low down to his right hand post when it looked to be past him. Windlaw then went through a slightly uncertain period looking a touch complacent at times. Paul McInally then had to come off injured and was replaced by Craig Thomas. Craigneuk started to look more lively and there was a real feeling that if they scored it would be significant. They did so after a free-kick into Windlaw’s box was poorly defended and the ball was knocked past the helpless John Lunny from only 8 yards. It was now game on and Craigneuk really had their tails up and were enjoying their best spell of the game. An equaliser looked inevitable and it duly arrived on 82 minutes. As Windlaw lost the ball in the Craigneuk half they were caught too far up the park and a long high ball beat the offside trap for the forward to run in on John Lunny and lob it over the keeper as he advanced. This setback nearly became a disaster for Windlaw as Craigneuk almost went in front. Another free-kick into the box saw Lunny come from his line to collect but he didn’t make up the ground and the glancing header went just wide of the post for a real scare. Windlaw then awoke from their slumber and had a real sustained push for a winner but Semerau looked absolutely unbeatable with three more tremendous saves to deny Windlaw and this game looked set for extra-time. Then in the very final minute of injury time, Kevin McCann won possession just inside Craigneuk’s half and bounded towards the retreating defenders. He was then clipped by the forward tracking him as he advanced but didn’t go down. Instead he steadied himself enough to crash an amazing 30 yard missile like shot into the postage stamp top left hand corner of Semerau’s net that even the inspired Pole couldn’t keep out. This sparked wild celebrations among Windlaw’s players and fans as McCann continued his celebratory run behind the goal. When play finally restarted ref Simpson allowed one more minute of time added on and within that, Craigneuk’s frustration boiled over as Chris Hepburn was the victim of a shocking tackle that was correctly met with a straight red card. Seconds later it was all over and Windlaw were crowned Division 3 champions.  

Full Time: Windlaw 3 - 2 Craigneuk

 

Fixtures & Results