Ellon Thistle v Stoneywood Amateurs

Division Two East

Ellon Thistle failed to pick up maximum points in their first league fixture of the season as their opening day curse struck again on Saturday when they were beaten by four goals to nil by Stoneywood Amateurs. Ellon's first half dominance was not rewarded with a goal and they were punished in second period by the visitors.

Daniel Adamson made his competitive debut in goal for Thistle behind the familiar backline of Alexander, Henderson and Anderson. New signings Callum Duncan, Jamie McNeil and Duncan McGill also featured in the starting line-up. Martyn Duncan stepped in as skipper in the absence of Ryan Birnie who was suspended.

Ellon started well and breached a suspect Stoneywood defence on a number of occasions in the early stages. Michael Wild should have put the home side in front when he rounded the Stoneywood keeper but missed the target from a tight angle. Callum Duncan was denied from a free-kick on the edge of the box and soon after the midfielder saw a shot diverted off the underside of the crossbar by the hands of a Stoneywood defender. No penalty was awarded.

At the other end, David Anderson upended a Stoneywood forward as he raced towards goal. The defender picked up a caution but on another day he could easily have seen red.

Half-Time: Ellon Thistle 0 Stoneywood Amateurs 0

Thistle benefited from another of the referee's decisions when Callum Duncan hauled down a Stoneywood attacker on the edge of his own box but he was fortunate to be awarded a free-kick in his favour. With over an hour played, the home side brought on Steven Beaton and Michael Gibson in an attempt to break the deadlock. However, it was the visitors who went in front when a cross from the right was headed home by an unmarked Stoneywood attacker.

The same player capitalised on Anderson's indecision to put his side two up just minutes later and added a further two goals to complete the rout.

Stoneywood were well worth their win after the home side's second half capitulation but the margin of victory perhaps flatters the visitors.

Final Score: Ellon Thistle 0 Stoneywood Amateurs 4

Ellon Thistle: D Adamson, N Henderson, D Anderson, B Alexander, C Duncan, M Duncan, S Cruickshanks, M Cockburn (M Gibson), J McNeil, M Wild, D McGill (S Beaton). Subs Not Used: R Longmuir, P Ironside