Cold Weather, Character and a Crucial Comeback

Posted on Wednesday, February 25th, 2015

After a gruelling 90 minutes on the heavy Pennypitt pitch we came away with all three points with late goals from Jack Beesley and Paul-Jon Sludden.

Although we had most of the play in the first half we created few clear cut chances.  Aitchison came close for Preston when he hit the bar with a great effort in the 40th minute and a minute later a great Kevin Motion cross presented Willie Bremner with a free header from six yards but it went wide.

There was little goalmouth action in the early part of the second half with the conditions not conducive to crisp passing or running with the ball.  Preston were keeping it tight and looked dangerous on the break and when we were caught short at the back Devlin popped up in the six yard box to net the opener.  Fresh legs came on from the bench with Donal leading the line and Jack supporting from midfield.  As the game progressed we began to dominate.  Firstly Jack had a snapshot well saved by Brennan and then a good piece of passing play saw Paul-Jon put Jack through to equalise with 10 minutes remaining.

In the 83rd minute we were then awarded an indirect free kick after Brennan caught the ball, put it on the deck and lifted it again.  after a delay as Preston tried to charge early Jack tapped the ball to Paul-Jon who drove it high into the net.  Donal had a further chance to score but Brennan saved with his feet when the goal was gaping.

A welcome victory with bookings for MacKinnon, Bremner and Stevenson.

The Malt and Hops man of the Match going to Garry Cennerazzo for his tireless running up and down the left flank.

Team: Carswell, Nixon (Stevenson 77), Cennerazzo, Malone, MacKinnon, Grant, Bremner (Beesley 68), Douglas (Henretty 60), Sludden, Brown, Motion  Subs not used: Thomson, Sivewright and Gilpin