Title Contenders

There was some pre match transfer drama with Grange making the emergency loan signing of Rob Powell just in time for pass back, this required a re-shuffle of the Watsonians back line, a tense affair all round.

The first half was lively with Watsonians dominating much of the possession, there was some strong play down the right flank with David Baring and Stuart Tilston linking up well, up top the mobility and pace of strikers Fraser Munro and Alex MacCormac were causing the Grange defense problems. The most pleasing aspect was the numerous opportunities created, although these went without a conversation the Grange defense were under pressure and it felt like it was a matter of time before Watsons took the lead, on another day we could have been 4 or 5 goals to the good.

Grange had other ideas and managed to open the scoring from a penalty corner, star loanee signing Powell headed up the corner and provided a very good assist to the back post, we went in to half time at 1 – 0.

The title challenge was put back on course during the second half, starting with more energy and direct play Watsons were soon level via a short corner, an Alan Timlin strike.

Our 2nd goal followed quickly courtesy of MacCormac, a cultured finish which was merited by his efforts in the game.

The 3rd followed shortly after with an repeat of the first goal short corner routine, Timlin again with the strike.

Watsonians were now on the ascendancy and relaxed into a more dominant passing game, Baring turned wing back in the latter stages and provided some tireless running down the right side asking questions of the Grange defense to which they had no answers, he linked up well with Adam Marsh to get in behind the Grange defensive line and provide numerous cut backs from the base line.

Watsonians struck again via Ozzie Lobo, following a solid performance and much break up play in centre midfield Lobo got ahead of play and exploited some available space in the top D, with back to goal he quickly controlled a simple straight ball delivery with one touch, turned and finished convincingly, in a post match interview Lobo spoke of it being a ‘goal of the season contender’, the fans will decide.

Watsonians defense was solid throughout the game, often steeping ahead of their opponent to intercept the Grange long ball and providing good controlled distribution throughout, their performance made hockey look simple and easy, long may it continue.

Behind them Goalkeeper Euan Hamilton was called into action a few times in quick succession during the second half, in each occasion he cleared his lines confidently and well, a maturing keeper in mens hockey much to the delight of his teammates.

Nearing the end of the second half strikers Munro and MacCormac were really proving a handful for the Grange defense, taking turns to run the channels and drop deep they pulled the Grange defense out of shape constantly during the second period. It was from here the 5th goal came, MacCormac dropped deep to collect a central ball creating space behind him, he quickly turned and found Marsh just outside the D, with one touch Marsh provided an inch perfect ball around the central defender to provide Timlin an easy finish.

The action then moved the Watsonians goal mouth, having conceded a penalty flick Hamilton was facing an experienced opponent from the spot, he stood up to it well and was very unfortunate to be beaten by a narrow margin through his legs, very nearly making the save.

The club were very fortunate to have Sam Wilmont and William Evans make their mens hockey debuts in the game, coming on at left back and right midfield, they played confidently and gained in confidence as the match progressed, they made some good tackles dispossessing their opponents and passed and moved impressively, we hope they will have a big future in the Watsonians mens set up.

An enjoyable game and given the results of those around us in the table it takes us closer to the top of the table.

Author: Alan Timlin