Match Report

Windlaw travelled to John Browns in search of three vital championship points well aware of the potential banana skin that this game could be to any title aspirations. Injuries to two key men in Brendan Bonnar and Thomas Taylor resulted in starting berths for Darren Campbell and Kevin McCann. The pitch was fiery and bumpy to say the least and the first half saw Windlaw having the slight advantage of a cross-field wind that veered slightly towards the Forest end.

Windlaw started well and looked hungry to build on last week's victory over Blochairn. The pattern was emerging that Forest would defend deep almost inviting long shots and crosses. The long throws of Kevin McCann were also a major factor and it was from one of these that the away side took a deserved lead. A half clearance from a throw fell to Shug Neeson just inside the box and he produced a well taken, crisp, half volley that flew past the slightly unsighted Forest keeper. Windlaw continued their domination with only the occassional Forest break causing any real threat and their talented front man Davie Hepburn looked isolated. Despite a few decent but not clear cut chances, Windlaw could not find a second and had to settle for a one goal lead at the break.

Forest failed to find any real momentum after the break. They pushed another man forward but rarely enjoyed comfortable possession with Windlaw's midfield working hard and shutting down well. Up front, Benny Carey was putting in another great shift against one of the bigger defences in the league and although looking below-par, that man Williamson still posed a genuine threat and was being shadowed by his close friend Tommy McCall. The referee knocked back two decent Windlaw penalty claims and Kevin McCann forced a fine save from the Forest keeper, but one goal looked to be our lot and we never really looked like conceding. Job done,move on to the next game.

Windlaw got the job done well in atrocious conditions. A poor pitch and strong wind was never going to be condusive to good football. Again, the attitude was excellent. We are again fighting for rather than against each other and this will take a real squad effort this season to regain silverware. As we approach the business end of the season, the much improved attitude bodes well.

Hhonourable mentions to Gary Wilson (again!!), Marti Docherty, Eck McCaig, Kevin McCann and Benny Carey but the honour of man of the match goes to the moaniest player in world soccer, whose eye catching performance, winning goal and attitude made him stand out from the rest.

Well done Shug, I bet Gail is glad to see the smile return to your face this week!

Man of the Match: Shug Neeson