TEAM:-

REPORT:-

Match day 4 and yet again a healthy squad was on hand as we prepared to face Cornhill Thistle. 18 players were available for selection. England and Merchant missing out completely with 4 changes made to Saturdays starting line up. A stability was retained in the side by retaining the core of the team ie the entire central form remained the same as Andrews, Marlow, Robertson, Longmuir, E.Milne and G.Woods were all named as starters. The ever battling Morgan also remained in the team and that 7 were joined by Sim and Michie in the full back berths, Quirie wide right and Graham up front. The bench was filled by 5 excellent players, namely, Shaw, N.Milne, M.Woods, N.Wood and Fisken. Having made all these changes it meant that as promised every signed player available has now been handed a starting role within the opening 4 games of the season. Jim Ritchie also arrived back from Spain to attend his first match of the season but had difficulty locating us as we were again wearing our new, to date, unbeaten kit. This was to be a classic game of two halves with the home side dominating throughout the first half and ourselves controlling the second period. Thistle forced the first save of the match in 10 mins. Andrews getting down low to stop at the post. He then did well moments later to grab a low drive at the second attempt following a mellee in our box. Longmuir was well short with an attempted pass back, but got back to clear the danger. We put together a good move when Graham picked up on the half way line, he fed Longmuir, who found G.Woods up the right. A low cross in was only just missed by the diving Graham. Thistle went in front in 30 when we went to sleep. Firstly to allow a quick free kick, then to allow a player time to make a pass into the box which was met by a forward with our defence slow to react. Soon after G.Woods had a chance however his shot cannoned back off Graham.(H.T.1-0) It was now our turn to dominate and it appeared to be only a matter of time until we scored. We were solid at the back as our confidence grew yet we just could not find the net. A great move saw Longmuir pick out Morgan with a throw and his shot scraped the bar. Robertson came close then Marlow sliced an effort into Longmuirs path, he smashed it over. Shaw and N.Wood replaced Marlow and Quirie and in 85 we eventually grabbed the goal we deserved. Morgan smashing home from 18 yards following a corner. In 90 mins. Thistle won a soft penalty however justice was done when a weak effort flew wide. (F.T.1-1) Great team effort. Hallitopman Chris Sim.