Ellon Thistle v University Strollers

Division Two East

After a good run, Ellon went into this game as table toppers with University Strollers being the next to step in the ring at the Meadows. Ellon started the match in the very seldom worn black and white striped shirt, with University in the ugliest strip in amateur football – blue or yellow sleeves depending on the arm and a red body!

The match was a scrappy affair from the off with few chances being created, but that having been said, Strollers could have been two up quite early on had they taken what chances were on offer.

Wild was guilty of taking an eternity on one occasion and then ran the ball into a tight angle which would have needed a tremendous finish to score. McGill was then unlucky after a good Gibson lay off.

A controversial incident followed when Captain Birnie was callously challenged from behind with the Stroller making no effort to gain the ball. Despite this, the referee seemed to think that the thuggish miniscule right back had done nothing wrong, no action was taken -much to the chagrin of the Thistle support on the touchline - and their protests that it was a definite red card were completely ignored.

Half-Time: Ellon Thistle 0 University Strollers 0

After the break, Ellon took the game to Strollers and Wild forced a great save from the keeper, before McGill’s long ranger just crept over the bar.

Ellon’s pressure eventually paid off when Marty DUNCAN scored his second goal in two weeks from a tight angle – a neat finish from the Thistle midfielder. A second goal should have been added to the tally when Wild missed with his effort and then Martyn Duncan sclaffed the rebound only for McGill to fire the return over the bar.

Jags keeper Adamson was brought into real action for the first time when he palmed a decent effort over the bar. On the 75 minute mark, a corner was awarded to University and as the ball was swung in, keeper Adamson was caught in two minds whether to go for the cross or not and this indecision allowed the University striker to level the scoring. Gibson had a chance to win late on, but his substandard effort typified Ellon’s performance on the day.

Final Score: Ellon Thistle 1 University Strollers 1

Ellon Thistle: D Adamson, K Duncan, N Henderson, D Anderson, R Birnie, C Duncan, M Duncan, S Beaton, M Gibson, D McGill, M Wild. Subs: R Longmuir, A Maclean, A Kerr, M Cockburn, G Giles