1st Touch Football Division One (North) at Woodside on Saturday 12th March
This Division One (North) match kicked off at a wintry Woodside with Great Western looking for a win to consolidate their table topping position. Visitors ALC were seeking to repeat their recent hard fought cup semi final win over their hosts and keep themselves just above the drop zone.
A cagey opening 20 minutes saw both teams trying to play football in testing conditions. Midfield control was being hotly contested but the defences on either side were looking solid with neither goalkeeper having to deal with anything other than long range efforts.
On the half hour mark a delightful Barcelona-esque passing movement started by Ferguson and involving some neat interplay by Duffy and Mitchell saw the home side take the lead with Jones sweeping the ball home from the six yard line.
Lads Club looked to hit back quickly and mounted a succession of threatening moves down Great Western’s right flank with Mair, Huchon, Leslie and Gillies all involved.
Their persistence paid off just before half time when the ball was worked to Allison. The striker managed to turn the defence and shot past Brown from near the penalty spot.
Half-time: 1-1
The opening exchanges of the second half saw both sides go close with a fierce Davie free kick for Great Western being charged down and a Mair header from a Lads Club corner forcing a great save from Brown.
Great Western went into the lead ten minutes into the half when Duffy robbed Lads’ Club’s Taylor on the edge of the box and squared for the onrushing Duncan to slot home.
The game was opening up at this point with some good football being played despite deteriorating underfoot conditions.
As the match moved into the final quarter Lads’ Club pressed hard for the equaliser but Great Western’s defence held firm and keeper Brown was largely untroubled.
The league leaders almost conjured up a third just before the end when a good break by Mitchell forced Lads Club’s Deans to save with his legs and Jones sent the rebound narrowly over.
Full Time: 2-1
