Rovers are forced into losing corner

Sep 25 2009 Strathearn Herald

Comrie Rovers 3 Tay Thistle 4

COMRIE Rovers entertained a much changed Tay Thistle side last Saturday and in a frustrating game for the home side found themselves on the wrong end of a disappointing 4-3 scoreline.

The early signs were there for Rovers as they started the game slowly and in the first 10 minutes keeper Raymond Stevenson had to be alert twice as Thistle breakaways threatened his goal.

Despite this it was the home side who scored first.

With 20 minutes gone a corner in the box was forced homeward by Kieran O'Donnell. A scramble ensued and the ball fell to Shaun Ward who rounded his marker only to be chopped down just inside the box. The referee pointed to the spot and Brian MacLean stepped up to smash the ball into the back of the net.

It was a scrappy game in midfield with both sides fighting for supremacy but a quick ball through from a Thistle midfielder found two players being played onside and five minutes after going a goal down Thistle were level.

Rovers again had themselves to blame for the visitors second as a mix up between Kyle Fenwick and David Sinclair saw the ball reach a Thistle player who played in a forward who found the back of the net.

Fenwick limped off the field to be replaced by Alex Murdoch and O'Donnell and Sinclair switched positions bringing stability to the home side and they gradually began to play their way back into the game.

Rovers started the second half at a frantic pace and within 10 minutes had levelled the scores.

A great move started by Alex Wylie and ending up with Sinclair smashing the ball into the net. Colin Reilly then replaced Shaun Stewart as the home side looked to take advantage.

Rovers were now forcing the game and despite a couple of half chances for Martin McGoughan and Ward, were hit by two sucker punches in five minutes. Thistle hit a quick goal from a breakaway after a high ball was missed by Murdoch. They then missed a penalty which crashed off the bar, but soon made amends as the Thistle winger beat two players to crash the ball into the net for a 4-2 lead with 15 minutes left to play.

Pushing forward, an Abernethy long throw found O’Donnell who was brought down in the box.

The referee pointed to the spot and Ward stepped up and rolled the ball into the corner of the net to make it 4-3.

Rovers flooded forward but the Thistle defence held firm and they broke away several times with Stevenson performing heroics in the Rovers goal. Unfortunately the home side, couldn't find a reward for their efforts and the referee blew for full time.

This Saturday Rovers are at home against Methven in the 2nd round of the Ashleigh Cup. Kick off 2pm.