McTeagle v Ellon Thistle

Division Two East

The game couldn’t have started in better fashion for the visiting Jags. The McTeagle goalkeeper was picking the ball out of his net after eighteen seconds after Mikey WILD put the visitors in the lead. Credit to the striker who had his work cut out when the ball bobbled in front of him leaving an awkward adjustment of his body to bury the ball from ten yards. With Ellon needing seven points from the remaining three games to guarantee promotion this was a dream start.

The rain started to fall but Ellon’s desire wasn’t dampened (unlike the nearby cricket players who ran for cover) they got on with the job with the dominance continuing as McTeagle struggled to get out of their half in the early stages of this game. Ellon’s hunger was definitely apparent. Even the ever present Sheddocksley A.S.B.O “Neds” on scramblers could see.

Ellon had a host of chances with the best falling to Beaton who struck inches wide from eighteen yards. David McKeitch should have buried a header from close range too, but the effort didn’t trouble the goalie. McKeitch was unlucky again when a twenty yard freekick was well executed but rattled the crossbar.

In true Thistle fashion McTeagle were allowed back into the game when they were handed a soft equaliser. There were claims for offside but they were ambitious as the striker was definitely on and slid the ball past a helpless Adamson.

A special mention should be made for the McTeagle’s halfwit number 3 who has obviously been watching Didier Drogba or maybe even Hearts too much this season. The cretin defender made a ridiculous attempt to win a free kick by taking a comical dive. If only he could have seen himself on this occasion, even his mum would have been ashamed!! To make matters worse he evaded a yellow card as well.

But the home sides’ joy was short lived when Anderson broke into the McTeagle box and was clipped by the defender leaving the Ellon man to stumble before he could get a shot away. “Penalty” said the referee. Maybe a tad soft but Bruce ALEXANDER didn’t care as he slammed the ball into the net.

Half Time: McTeagle 1 Ellon Thistle 2

Duncan McGill could have given Ellon a bit of breathing space in the first minute of the second half but his effort deflected agonisingly wide.

McTeagle got themselves more into the game and created a few chances with the first pulling a decent save out of Adamson from close range. Then the scores really should have been levelled but the striker shanked the ball into the side netting.

Ellon’s first half dominance had completely disappeared in the second period and they looked ropey from back to front. With Adamson putting all Thistle players and fans in theirs mouths well he miscalculated a shot and spilt it in the box, luckily for him a defender was on hand to clear. Scary stuff! When it came to attacking the Jags were making things look difficult by missing copious chances, (enough to win three games).Wild, Longmuir and McKeitch all guilty of poor finishing. Was this to cost Ellon a valuable three points?

The answer to the aforementioned question was yes. Ellon seemingly unable to clear their lines on many occasions let McTeagle in for a late equaliser. The goal was obviously coming and also deserved by the home team.

A serious dent in the promotion hopes. And with little games remaining its looking like there is no way out of the second division for the Jags.

Final Score: McTeagle 2 Ellon Thistle 2

Ellon Thistle: D. Adamson, B. Alexander, N. Henderson, S. Cruikshanks, M. Duncan, C. Duncan, D. Anderson, D. McKeitch, D. McGill (R. Longmuir), S. Beaton (M. Gibson), M. Wild. Unused Subs: M. Cockburn, R. Birnie, G. Giles