Match Report

Action Details

With the league title race nearing a conclusion without a hint of who is going to win it, Windlaw faced another must win game away to Lochend Utd. It was a potentially difficult game, but Windlaw got the attitude and mentailty correct on the day to run out comfortable 3-0 winners.

The management reshuffled the team a little with Martin Kearney and Shug Neeson coming back into the first team at the expense of Zanda Dougall and Wullie Thornton, who both had other commitments. Kevin McCann and Thomas Taylor started on the bench having came back recently from injuries.

The sun was shining and the conditions were idyllic, it was a perfect day for football.

Windlaw went at Lochend right from the first whistle and tried hard to get the early goal which would settle everyone. Some good efforts from Carey, Williamson and McCabe were close but didnt quite hit the target.

However a refereeing howler prevented Windlaw's chance to take the lead. Tremendous quick feet from Scott Williamson saw him beat 1 defender, and the next, only to be hacked down when he was presented with an empty goal. Surely a penalty !! No said the referee, who claimed we had advantage !! Benedict Carey was following up but by the time he got to the ball there was a defender on the line !! Not much advantage there !! Quite bizarre really.

This spurred Windlaw on and we took the lead after 20 mins through a spectacular Benedict Carey goal. From a throw in and with his back to goal, the towering centre forward spun and unleashed a shot right into the top corner of the net. Absolutely brillaint from the veteran.

Windlaw were not content with their 1 goal lead and continued to pound the Lochend goal for a second, however they were nearly caught out at the back. The Lochend forward rifled a vicious shot from outside the box, but goalkeeper John Lunny pulled off a brilliant save to maintain Windlaw's slender advanatge.

Windlaw doubled their lead when a neat move saw Benedict Carey played in around 12 yards out. The big man composed himself before slotting the ball low into the corner with his weaker left foot. One player thought Benedict panicked and just swung at it and hoped for the best, but I know him better and can honestly say the big man knew exactly what he was doing !!

The football from Windlaw was a joy to watch at times, and this was quite easily one of our best performances so far. What we had to do was carry this level of football into the second half and kill the game off.

The second half was more of the same with Windlaw dominating, however Lochend were not totally out of it and a few half chances were cleared up by man of the match Gary Wilson. The big man was outstanding yet again, clearing up everything that got in his way. When they did breach the Windlaw defence, John Lunny was there to put the blockers on any hope of a Lochend goal as the big nutcase goalie was in fine form also.

Windlaw had numerous chances throughout the second half to increase their lead, but a rare off day in front of goal for certain players (ECK!!) made this difficult. The we man was having one of those days where nothing would fall for him, however he did give 100% effort and cant be faulted for that at least, however shooting practice is definitely needed mate !!!

Windlaw did eventually grab a third when Paul McInally grabbed a rare goal. What he was doing in the opposition box is inexplicable as he is the last person who you could expect to score, well apart from Wullie Thornton that is. A corner was flung deep into the box and Benedict Carey, desperate for his hatrick, rose like a salmon above everybody else to power a header towards the far corner of the net. The big man was in mid celebration before it was cut short when sweeper turned poacher Macky stole it from him and toe-poked it across the line. Imagine stealing a hatrick goal from one of your own teamates, utterly disgusting !! However he showed no remorse and celebrated wildly with his Alan Sheareresq raised hand.

Macky obviously realised what he'd done in depriving Benedict of a hatrick and quickly asked to be substituted. He claimed he had a niggling injury, however he was overheard saying he feared for his own safety. That seems to be closer to the truth if you ask me.

That was the last real action of the match, and Windlaw can be pleased after a good display all round. The next match is away to Vale Utd and this could be a potential title decider, so as someone once said boys: "You know what's required !" I needn't say anymore.

Man of the Match: Gary Wilson - If the big man is not amongst the player honours at the end of the season then there's something far wrong. Excellent yet again (How many times have we said that this season). When it looked like Lochend had half a chance of scoring, big Minty was there to mop up the danger.