Match Report

Action Details

Windlaw boosted their title hopes today with a crucial 3 - 1 win over Tynecastle at barlia with goals from Shug Neeson, Thomas Taylor and Scott Williamson.

It was a better performance from Windlaw and Thursday's team meeting seemed to have a positive effect on the whole team as the whole general play was much better than it has been in previous weeks and every player seemed to have more motivation and seemed to be fired up more than usual. The pitch was perfect and was the ideal stage for good flowing football and the team didnt disappoint with some fine football in the match.

Brendan Bonner and Martin Kearney came into the team to replace Zanda Dougall and Eck McCaig, both of whom had other commitments. Wullie Thornton was on the bench with Scott Williamson and Allan Dougall, back after a lengthy lay-off through injury.

The match kicked off and Windlaw tried to stamp their authority early on with some pressure on the Tynecastle goal. The weather conditions were far from ideal and made it difficult for both teams, however Windlaw gradually stepped up the pressure and got the first goal of the match early on when Tumi placed a fine header into the corner of the net from a crossed ball into the box. A well worked move with a good finish to top it off.

The early goal rattled Tynecastle slightly, who never really offered much in attack, and Windlaw were on the ascendency for the rest of the first half, controlling the match for long spells and forcing Tyencastle onto the back foot.

A second goal would have all but killed the match, such was Windlaw's superiority, and it arrived midway through the first half. Unfortunately the rovin reporter took his eye off the action for a split second to pull his tights up and missed the goal, but he did say it was Shug Neeson who scored from close range. Thats about as much as I can tell you about that Im afraid, sorry Shug.

With that second goal, the game was just about over, however Windlaw should have added another couple of goals to further compound their opponents misery, but they never arrived and the first half ended 2 - 0 to Windlaw.

The second half saw Windlaw shoot into the wind, a wind which had got stronger as the match went on and made the conditions even more difficult for both teams.

It was having a bad effect on the quality of football and both teams toiled to create any good chances and inventive play. For Windlaw, the rest of the match should have been a case of protecting the result and collecting the 3 points, but that was easier said than done.

That plan was thrown into jeopardy when Tyencastle scored completely against the run of play as a result of a defensive blunder. The Windlaw defence tried to play offside but failed to execute their trap and the Tynecastle striker was faced with a one on one with John Lunny. The big goalie done his best to make it difficult for their striker but he cooly chipped the ball over the onrushing keeper to claw his team back into the match.

That goal spurred Tynecastle on for a brief spell, however Windlaw hit back with a killer third goal, courtesy of good work from Windlaw forward Scott Williamson combined with an error from the Tynecastle goalie.

The goalie tried to clear a passback from a defender, but Scott's determination saw him charge down the keeper's kick only for it to ricochet back towards the Tynecastle goal. The Windlaw goal machine made sure of the goal by putting the ball into the net from close range, about 2 yards to be exact.

That goal killed any hope of a Tynecastle comeback, however it didnt stop them trying, as big Lunny had to pull out a couple of good saves to consolidate the result.

3 - 1 the final score and a well deserved win for Windlaw. Back to winning ways again after a slight blip last week.

Greenhills Dynamo in the cup next week, so lets keep up the good work and maintain our quest for anther treble.

Man of the Match: Gary Wilson