3s win in Stirling

The sun was out as the men in maroon gathered at the Galleon. Well, the 5 who weren't travelling direct anyway. In a rare burst of enthusiasm everyone appeared on time and we headed out for the final away game of the season. In a rather budget move we all squeezed in the one car.

Stirling was warm as the rest of the team trickled in. Dom, thinking push back was 2pm, rocked up at 1355. Thankfully, it was 2.30 and we warmed up in style. (that style being the one where Sholdis arrives half way through) and we were ready to go!

We started well, moving the ball around the pitch, Rob's epic team talk ringing in our ears. Some good movement in the D from Calum Wood won the first shorty. The slip left to Hogarth was rather budget though and the ball was intercepted.

There was plenty of open play with Hogarth and Cannon both unlucky not to find the backboard.The young recruits were finding themselves in great positions but ultimately has a tough time in front of goal, with Cannon even ringing the upright at least once in the half. There was a second chance for the short but this time the injection was wide and broken down.

A third short came near the end of the half and this time both the injection and slip were good for Cameron Lambie to stop and bury at the keeper's right foot. In a post match interview Lambie said 'I have to take a touch or I'll muck it up' (some letters edited).

In traditional 3s style, the second half started less well and the men in maroon were very much on the back foot. Stirling were playing a very high press and Cannon and Hogarth were looking for early ball. The first opportunity fell to Hogarth who found himself with space on the left side. Composed, he pulled it round the keeper's left glove and drove it home to make it 2-0.

The third came soon after when Rob Stewart broke down play in the middle of the park and pulled a reverse drive straight from the training ground to leave Hogarth one on one. He drew the keeper before putting it between the Stirling pads to put Watsonians 3-0 up.

Never a team that likes to be too safe, the 3s began to look disorganised, with several players hanging on to the ball more than necessary and passes starting to get desperate. Stirling took the opportunity to press and won a short. The first drag flick was solid but Dominic Wright put his body on the line and took it in the thigh. The repeated short was delivered to the right post where an unlucky Doug Dyche's reach turned the ball into the goal.

The final goal of the match is best left undescribed, not least because no one could remember it. Suffice to say that some budget marking gave Wanderers too much space and they were able to beat Doug Swanson a second time. 3-2

Finally composed, the maroon shirts were able to hang on to the ball for the rest of the game. Final score, 3-2.

MoM was David Hogarth, DoD was Rich Gray for being carded and falling over. Many thanks to Stuart Purves for umpiring.