Jack’s late equaliser hits the spot for battling Grove

Oct 2 2009 by Andrew Welsh, Strathearn Herald

Kettins 2 Strathearn Grove 2

PATCHED-UP Grove added to their points tally after a late equaliser secured a draw at Kettins.

The Crieff side earned a share of the spoils from this close encounter courtesy of Gavin Jack, who converted a penalty in the dying moments, and Donald Crerar, who struck in the first half.

Grove, who were missing a clutch of regular starters through a combination of injury, illness and unavailability, altered their accustomed 4-5-1 formation in a bid to open out the game on the notoriously tight park east of Coupar Angus.

Crerar was moved up front beside the recalled Scott Carter, with Bob Bain and Gregor Walker returning to the back four, allowing Jordan Gallagher to step into a holding midfield role.

Kettins forced a handful of corners in a cagey opening half hour that saw few clear cut chances at either end.

Midfield man Mark Buckley blazed Grove’s best opportunity wide from 12 yards but the visitors stepped up a gear before the break and got their reward following the best move of the half.

Storming into the box, Jack linked up with Crerar who played Carter in on the right. His lobbed effort was headed clear by a defender as far as Crerar who swivelled 18 yards out and guided a low strike into the near corner of the net.

Despite their advantage, as the second half went on things became less comfortable for Grove as Kettins seized the initiative in the middle of the park.

Although the home side had still to force a meaningful save from Crieff goalkeeper Ali Grant they were a constant threat with their strong running, and took route one to their spectacular equaliser midway through the half.

A long high ball was nodded inside and laid off to Kettins’ number 10 who hit home an unstoppable drive from 25 yards.

Grove almost regained the lead when the ever-dangerous Carter broke away and set up the in-rushing Buckley, but he miscued in front of goal. Moments later, substitute Graham Gray was inches away from converting a Campbell Dewar cross at the back post.

Kettins looked to have sealed the points when they struck at the other end with seven minutes left, but as Grove pounded their goalmouth a defender deliberately handled six yards out.

Up stepped Jack to coolly slot a low spot-kick, setting Grove up for tomorrow’s home league clash with Errol.