Ellon Thistle v Turriff Thistle

Division Two East

Ellon Thistle played their first game of the year at home to second placed Turriff Thistle in a match Ellon needed to win to prevent their rivals stretching a two point advantage. The hosts were again without Bruce Alexander and Martyn Duncan through suspension and Neil Mitchell replaced Mark Cockburn who was ruled out due to work commitments.

It had been three weeks since Ellon's last game and this was evident as they struggled in the early stages. Turriff dominated the midfield area and were allowed time on the ball to carve out opportunities but the visitors heavyweight frontline failed to threaten Dickinson's goal.

Graeme Giles was harshly punished for a tackle on the edge of the box and from the resultant free-kick Dickinson was forced into a save. The Thistle goalkeeper denied the visitors from another set-piece moments later but was helpless to prevent Turriff going in front when a cross from the right found an unmarked attacker at the far post who had the simple task of heading the ball into the net.

There was little response from the home side and Turriff looked increasingly likely to extend their lead. However, David Anderson hit the target with a free-kick but it was comfortably gathered by the visitors keeper. Neil Murray also had an effort at goal but his left footed strike was never likely to alter the scoreline.

Graeme Giles and Stephen Cruickshanks picked up needless bookings during the referee's card happy spell at the end of the first half although centre-half Giles was lucky to stay on the pitch as the referee decided his feeble attempt at a head-butt only merited a caution.

Half-Time: Ellon Thistle 0 Turriff Thistle 1

After some strong words and the hairdryer treatment during the interval, Thistle started the second period well. A lengthy spell in the visitors half was eventually rewarded when a corner from the left fell kindly for Billy DAILLY who smashed the ball off the underside of the bar and into the net.

Ellon had plenty possession early in the second half but did not create any clear-cut chances. Turriff weathered the storm and soon found themselves back in the Thistle penalty area after the home side lost possession in the centre of the park. A Turriff striker had an opportunity to test Dickinson but opted to square the ball to his team mate who had time to roll the ball into the bottom corner.

The second Turriff goal was a major blow for Ellon but they were immediately on the attack in search of the equaliser. Cammy Davidson had a chance with just the goalkeeper to beat but he missed the target. Michael Wild had a similar opportunity but he also saw his effort go past the post.

The home side had claims for a penalty turned down when Neil Murray appeared to be fouled in the box. The midfielder had needed little persuasion to crumble to the turf on three previous occasions during the game and his theatrical descent earned no reward.

In the final minutes of the game, Ellon threw everyone forward and a volley from the edge of the box from substitute Steven Beaton looked to be travelling towards the corner of the Turriff goal until the ball deflected of a defender and out for a corner. Billy Dailly had an effort saved in the final seconds but Turriff held on and took all three points.

Final Score: Ellon Thistle 1 Turriff Thistle 2

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