BSFC v Ellon Thistle

Division Two East

Ellon Thistle were looking to halt a poor run of form that has seen them go without a league victory in 2008. On paper, BSFC provided the likely opposition that would put an end to that startling statistic and Thistle travelled to Sheddocksley looking to hand the home side their fourteenth defeat in eighteen fixtures. After being convincingly defeated during the week at home to Hazlehead, a number of changes were made to the Thistle starting eleven. Neil Henderson was relegated to the bench for the first time this season where he was joined by Cammy Davidson. This paved the way for Bruce Alexander to return to the side along with top scorer Michael Wild.

BSFC started brightly and had a number of chances to test Andy Dickinson in the Thistle goal. The visitors looked nervous and their midfield of Duncan, Dailly, Birnie and Beaton failed to dictate the play. A number of stray passes put pressure on the Ellon defence and only a last ditch block by Neil Murray prevented BSFC breaking the deadlock. Nevertheless, early nerves were settled when Michael WILD was played in on goal and the striker confidently guided his shot over the advancing keeper and into the net.

Thistle were dealt a blow soon after when Martyn Duncan was forced to leave the field through injury and he was replaced by Cockburn.

The league's bottom side deservedly levelled the score line when a midfielder was allowed time on the ball to line up a shot and he fired home from distance leaving Dickinson with no chance. The equaliser instilled confidence in the home side and they began to believe the points were there for the taking. Their hopes were dashed just before the interval when a well worked move involving Longmuir and Dailly resulted in the latter crossing for WILD to power a home a header.

Half-Time: BSFC 1 Ellon Thistle 2

In the second half, Michael Wild was seeking his fifth hat-trick of the season and had a chance on his left foot but he failed to test the keeper. At the other end, Thistle were unable to clear a BSFC corner and the home side equalised for the second time in the match. Dickinson did his best to close down the attacker as he flicked the ball beyond him and took a bad knock as the two players collided.

The home side continued to penetrate the Ellon defence and appeared to be the more likely winners of the match. Only poor finishing and some brave stops by the injured Dickinson prevented BSFC going in front. At the other end, against the run of play, Ellon sneaked back into the lead. A cross from Alexander on the left glanced off the head of COCKBURN and beyond the stranded BSFC goalkeeper and gave Thistle a 3-2 lead. However, BSFC fought back a third time and on this occasion, they had done enough to claim a point. It was yet another disappointment for Thistle and an improvement will be necessary in the coming weeks as a cup quarter final looms.

Final Score: BSFC 3 Ellon Thistle 3

Ellon Thistle: A Dickinson, S Cruickshanks, D Anderson, B Alexander, N Murray, M Duncan (M Cockburn), R Birnie, S Beaton (C Davidson), B Dailly, M Wild, R Longmuir (N Henderson). Subs Not Used: A MacLean