Post by Michael Gray on Jun 7, 2006 11:45:22 GMT
Further evidence of global warming was present in Dunnet last night as temperatures soared into double figures for only the second time in 50 years. United hosted numerous changes from the team that slumped to defeat in Wick the previous week Mark Nichol, Grant Budge, Ross Sutherland, Willie Inrig, Gavin Sutherland and Barry Mackay replaced Steven Campbell, Bobby Thorburn, Lee Sutherland, Rob Bell and Scott Mackay-Steven. Thistle who have enjoyed a rather inconsistent start of the season came flying out of the traps McKiddie in particular was prominent from start when he wriggled passed a couple of challenges down the United right before cutting the ball back from the byeline keeper Gray cut the ball out but couldn't hold it so it was left to Brian Gray to complete the clearance. The home side responded with a well worked move down the left which resulted in Cook springing Davie Munro who drove into the area before firing in a low cross that Jamie Sutherland cleared into touch. The opener came just after the 10 minute mark and it was virtue of a free header from Ross Sutherland who strode forward to meet Gavin Bremner’s corner 6 yards out and he bulleted home the chance. This was probably a little harsh on Thistle who had competed very well in the opening exchanges and it nearly got worse moments later where from a similar position Brian Gray found space in the box but under pressure he could only loop his header onto the roof off the net. Thistle continued to pour forward at every opportunity especially from the fullback areas with the impressive Stewart and Mackenzie both asking questions of the home defence. However it was United who struck again after 19 minutes in somewhat bizarre circumstances from another Bremner corner Ross Sutherland and Fairweather seemed to come together in the area the ball flew over both their heads straight to Keenan who proceeded to pick the ball up and enquire how his team-mate was referee Gunn had no option but to point to the spot where Brian Gray made his tally for the season 6. Thistle however continued to enjoy the lions share of possession but were struggling to create the one clear opening S Sutherland had a chance blocked away after 25 minutes by Ross Sutherland who minutes later succumbed to yet another injury blow the damage will become clearer in the coming days he was replaced by young Gavin Sutherland fresh from his exams. United’s next chance just after the half hour mark came after a long clearance from Gray had Gunn in trouble Grant Budge took advantage of the defender’s indecision to make room in the box but he couldn’t find the target. Thistle though remained the calmer more composed looking side and they thought they should have had a penalty after 35 mins when McKiddie did well down the left and stood up a cross to the far post where More had made a great run to but he seemed to lose his feeting as Munro held his ground and referee Gunn so no infringement. Nichol was next up with a chance after a raking pass from Bremner set him in a race against Jamie Sutherland the striker did brilliantly to get the ball under control before backing the defender into the box then dropping his shoulder and rifling in a low shot that required Williamson to turn it round the post. Just when it seemed Thistle would have nothing to show for their first half efforts they struck deep into injury time McKiddie again made a good break down the left got to the byeline before cutting the ball back Martyn Cook half cleared only as far as Mackenzie who stepped away from a couple of tackles before coolly planting the ball in the corner for a goal that was no more than Thistle deserved for their first half efforts.
Half time
Pentland United 2-1 Wick Thistle
Manager Duncan Gray had obviously let his displeasure at the lacklustre first forty five be known at half time as his United side were transformed after the break less that 5 mins into the half and they created a great chance a chipped pass from Nichol found Budge on the edge of the box he neatly took the ball down on his chest and waltzed into the box he drilled in a low shot but Williamson was equal to it blocking the ball away with his feet. The Lybster based frontman was again involved minutes later sprinting down the left onto a Munro pass he raced into the box and only a last gasp tackle from Gunn denied him however the defender injured himself in the process and had to leave the field for further treatment. United took full advantage of their numerical advantage to stretch the lead further again Budge was in the thick of things after Cook and Munro had combined to release him down the left he slipped a great pass into Nichol who drew the keeper before passing the ball into the bottom corner for a great finish to the move. Minutes later Nichol gave another example of class finishing when again Budge did the legwork down the left before clipping a ball back to the ace marksman and from 16 yards he volleyed a rasping shot passed the helpless Williamson. The stuffing had been knocked out of Thistle although to be fair they still tried to attack but the impetus they held in the first period had dissipated somewhat. McKiddie who had been so effective in the first half was now struggling to shrug off Gavin Sutherland down the right however he did earn a freekick after breaking a couple of challenges S Sutherland swept in a teasing cross which Gray punched clear under pressure but only as far as More who volleyed back a shot however this time the keeper dealt with the situation more convincingly and held on. United had definitely taken their feet back of the accelerator at this point although by no means were they sitting back just perhaps conceding territorial advantage to the visitors but the lively Sutherland and Munro on the flanks were willing outlets at all times for the break. On 65 mins Thistle did have a good opportunity to score when a long punt from Williamson had the United defence appealing for offside against Farquhar who drew keeper Gray but could only lob the ball into the keeper’s hands although to be fair the ball didn’t ever seem to sit up right for the pacey striker. Thistle had now pushed into a 3 pronged attack desperate to claw their way into the goal and for the first 5-10 mins of making this change confusion reigned in the home defence and once again it was Farquhar who nearly profited when found time and space on the edge of the box but his half volley whistled into the mid-drift of Gray. The returning Willie Inrig then made way fro Adam Sutherland a sterling effort from the midfielder after a 4 week lay-off he went about his business quietly and effectively but had tired and rather than risk him any further they replaced him with Adam Sutherland who took a place in attack with Grant Budge assuming a deeper role. Less than 10 minutes later the United camp made their final change with Barry Mackay replacing Davie Munro on the left side of the park. The substitute was to have the final say in the fixture when a throw from Nichol found Gavin Sutherland the winger produced a delightful glance off his head into the path of Mackay who never broke stride before deftly chipping the ball over the advancing Williamson from 16 yards.
Full time
Pentland United 5-1 Wick Thistle
(R Sutherland 12, B Gray 19(pen), M Nichol 52 & 59, B Mackay 85)
1. M Gray 2. D Manson 3. G Mackay 4. R Sutherland (G Sutherland 27) 5. B Gray 6. G Bremner (c) 7. M Cook 8. W Inrig (A Sutherland 72) 9. M Nichol 10. G Budge 11. D Munro (B Mackay 81)
View from the goal
A very low key first half from the guys who seemed to lack urgency and the football was pretty short on quality as well from our point of view the Thistle were definitely the better side. However second half what a difference great energy, flowing football and some cracking goals to boot all in all a very satisfying evening’s work. The front lads worked very hard and could have scored more Marky as per usual razor sharp in front of goal and a wee mention for Baz who scored the goal of the game with a delightful flick and he says he meant it.
Half time
Pentland United 2-1 Wick Thistle
Manager Duncan Gray had obviously let his displeasure at the lacklustre first forty five be known at half time as his United side were transformed after the break less that 5 mins into the half and they created a great chance a chipped pass from Nichol found Budge on the edge of the box he neatly took the ball down on his chest and waltzed into the box he drilled in a low shot but Williamson was equal to it blocking the ball away with his feet. The Lybster based frontman was again involved minutes later sprinting down the left onto a Munro pass he raced into the box and only a last gasp tackle from Gunn denied him however the defender injured himself in the process and had to leave the field for further treatment. United took full advantage of their numerical advantage to stretch the lead further again Budge was in the thick of things after Cook and Munro had combined to release him down the left he slipped a great pass into Nichol who drew the keeper before passing the ball into the bottom corner for a great finish to the move. Minutes later Nichol gave another example of class finishing when again Budge did the legwork down the left before clipping a ball back to the ace marksman and from 16 yards he volleyed a rasping shot passed the helpless Williamson. The stuffing had been knocked out of Thistle although to be fair they still tried to attack but the impetus they held in the first period had dissipated somewhat. McKiddie who had been so effective in the first half was now struggling to shrug off Gavin Sutherland down the right however he did earn a freekick after breaking a couple of challenges S Sutherland swept in a teasing cross which Gray punched clear under pressure but only as far as More who volleyed back a shot however this time the keeper dealt with the situation more convincingly and held on. United had definitely taken their feet back of the accelerator at this point although by no means were they sitting back just perhaps conceding territorial advantage to the visitors but the lively Sutherland and Munro on the flanks were willing outlets at all times for the break. On 65 mins Thistle did have a good opportunity to score when a long punt from Williamson had the United defence appealing for offside against Farquhar who drew keeper Gray but could only lob the ball into the keeper’s hands although to be fair the ball didn’t ever seem to sit up right for the pacey striker. Thistle had now pushed into a 3 pronged attack desperate to claw their way into the goal and for the first 5-10 mins of making this change confusion reigned in the home defence and once again it was Farquhar who nearly profited when found time and space on the edge of the box but his half volley whistled into the mid-drift of Gray. The returning Willie Inrig then made way fro Adam Sutherland a sterling effort from the midfielder after a 4 week lay-off he went about his business quietly and effectively but had tired and rather than risk him any further they replaced him with Adam Sutherland who took a place in attack with Grant Budge assuming a deeper role. Less than 10 minutes later the United camp made their final change with Barry Mackay replacing Davie Munro on the left side of the park. The substitute was to have the final say in the fixture when a throw from Nichol found Gavin Sutherland the winger produced a delightful glance off his head into the path of Mackay who never broke stride before deftly chipping the ball over the advancing Williamson from 16 yards.
Full time
Pentland United 5-1 Wick Thistle
(R Sutherland 12, B Gray 19(pen), M Nichol 52 & 59, B Mackay 85)
1. M Gray 2. D Manson 3. G Mackay 4. R Sutherland (G Sutherland 27) 5. B Gray 6. G Bremner (c) 7. M Cook 8. W Inrig (A Sutherland 72) 9. M Nichol 10. G Budge 11. D Munro (B Mackay 81)
View from the goal
A very low key first half from the guys who seemed to lack urgency and the football was pretty short on quality as well from our point of view the Thistle were definitely the better side. However second half what a difference great energy, flowing football and some cracking goals to boot all in all a very satisfying evening’s work. The front lads worked very hard and could have scored more Marky as per usual razor sharp in front of goal and a wee mention for Baz who scored the goal of the game with a delightful flick and he says he meant it.