Sunday Football, Football, Soccer, Sunday Football, Football, Sunday Football, Soccer

College Old Boys 1 v 2 Rose & Thistle - Division 2

A Must Win Game!

Line up - Davison, Walker, Marsden, Lindley, Gray, Marshall, Bunce, Waygood, Gadsen, Scales, Miller

On a cold sunny morning, Thistle lined up in match they knew they really had to win against one of the weaker sides in the division, with the Man Mountain Davison lining up in Goal. On a sloping pitch Thistle played up hill in the first half and as per usual this season, it was a slow start. Trying to get the ball on the deck Thistle looked decent with the attacking 6 linking up well but with no end product. The defence was looking solid however with Davison's seemingly preferred back 4, generally looking good. Thistle, surprise surprise, then conceded first. An inswinging corner not dealt with by Lindley was flicked in, leaving Davison no chance. This sparked Thistle up a bit and Marshall and Gadsen were putting lots of effort in on both flanks. Walker and Gray also doing well in the full back positions. Bunce was starting to make his mark with some real commitment and Waygood regaining his match sharpness. Miller and Scales, looking good in patches, were drifting in and out of the game. The most threatening chances were when Thistle's two centre backs ventured forward, with Lindley dribbling thinking he was a winger and Marsden a threat from set plays.

Half time came and some stiff words from Davison and Asst Manager Milburn (and also some hand-bags between Dickie and Waygood) pepped up Thistle as they began the 2nd half playing down the hill. One change, Marshall off, Allery on, Miller moving to the right Wing.

The second half started well, Thistle doing what they should do each week, getting it down and passing rather than hoofing. Marsden and Lindley rarely being troubled second half had the Old Boys strikers in their pockets. Millers use of the space and time on the ball also improved as did Bunce's movement and passing. Gray and Gadsen working well down the left carved open a chance for Scales but attempt 1 did not find the back of the net. Again Scales found himself with a chance of a goal; however attempt 2 was similar to attempt 1, not even troubling the keeper. Finally, after lots of good runs and perseverance Scales struck with attempt 3. Waygood played the ball to Allery, who scooped the ball over the oncoming defender and from the penalty spot Scales attempted a difficult volley which was 'skillfully' sliced into the corner of the net. The Thistle fans and WAG's were cheering and Scales had finally made the most of his good positioning. There was only 1 team in the game now and Thistle again found passing much easier. Solid play from Walker at right back allowing Miller the licence to not defend, and influence the game in the final 3rd. Harris replaced Bunce with 20 mins remaining and was straight into the action having his customary 45 yard hoof at goal. Waygood then hit the post with a header from a Gadsen cross and was later stamped on twice by an Old Boy Defender. The Old boys getting even more desperate when their number 10 even resorted to starting on Marsden, even though he was a foot smaller than the Thistle Centre back (a very amusing sight). Walker and Harris rubbing it in more by calling him a "tart" and an "embarrassment" respectively. By now Thistle had wasted several openings with Scales, Miller, and Waygood all to blame. The winner however arrived, and what a goal it was. The ball was won at the back and played to Harris in the middle of the park. A good ball out to the left found Gadsen 1-on-1 with his man and as he skipped beyond him, he whipped in a hard low cross which found Miller at the back post to finish coolly and spark scenes of ecstasy on the sidelines. It was just what Thistle had deserved as the entire team had improved with every player contributing. Old boys had 1 final attempt as a deep cross was expertly punched clear by Davison whilst under pressure. The game was seen out and valuable 3 points secured.