Stoneywood v Ellon Thistle

Division Two East

Ellon Thistle came from behind to snatch a deserved victory over Division Two East rivals Stoneywood Amateurs at Kingswells on Wednesday night. Goals from Michael Wild, a first of the season for Neil Henderson and a rare strike by Ryan Birnie sealed the three points and Thistle's fourth win in succession.

As expected, there were very few changes to the side that beat Monymusk on Monday and only Billy Dailly's absence allowed Steven Beaton to partner Michael Wild in attack. Ellon marginally had the better of the early exchanges, with Martyn Duncan twice getting himself into good positions to cross but could only manage to slice the ball behind the goal on both occasions. The hosts became increasingly frustrated with Ellon's effective offside trap but when they did breach the defensive line, Thistle had to thank David Anderson after he cleared an effort off the goal line.

The visitors went in front when a long throw-in from Graeme Giles was met by Neil Murray who thought he had scored but his effort was cleared off the line. However, the Stoneywood defender's clearance was short and fell into the path of Michael WILD who volleyed through a crowded penalty area and into the net. Wild had a chance to double his, and Ellon's tally before the interval when he was picked out by Beaton. The striker did well to beat the keeper but his shot was cleared by a defender as the ball crept towards goal.

Half-Time: Stoneywood 0 Ellon Thistle 1

Ellon kicked off the second half and within minutes their one goal advantage had turned into a 2-1 deficit. Stoneywood's equaliser was a great strike from wide on the left side that left Dickinson with no chance and just seconds after the restart, a Stoneywood attacker was gifted a free header which was tucked away with ease.

Thistle did not let their heads go down and were determined to pull themselves back on terms and had the chance when Neil Murray was pushed in the box as he attacked a corner. The referee awarded a spot-kick and a confident Bruce Alexander stepped up to take. The defender appeared unfazed by the Stoneywood players mind games but looked in despair as his strike rattled the crossbar.

Nevertheless, Ellon deservedly equalised thanks to a rare goal from Neil Henderson. The move down the left was orchestrated by Martyn Duncan as he beat his marker and crossed into the box. The ball fell kindly for HENDERSON who forced the ball over the line after a short rendition of River Dance with the ball stuck between his feet.

In another twist to the game, Thistle regained the lead with a goal from Ryan BIRNIE. The Thistle captain fired a shot from the edge of the penalty area off the inside of the post and into the net. Soon after, he had the chance to seal the victory when he found himself through on goal but as he tried to chip the advancing keeper, the midfielder pulled out his putter instead of an iron and guided the ball into the arms of the goalkeeper.

Surprisingly, there were no late scares for the visitors and they claimed all three points which sees them climb to fourth in the Division Two East table.

Final Score: Stoneywood 2 Ellon Thistle 3

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