Post by Michael Gray on Jun 17, 2009 12:06:53 GMT
United suffered a huge blow in their attempt to retain the First Division title last night when a late Sandy Sutherland strike helped rivals Wick Groats to all 3 points in tough encounter at Ham Park. United made 5 changes to the side that performed so poorly the previous week with Brian Kenny, John Skinner, Willie Inrig and Garry Macleod all welcomed back into the fray. Returning skipper Inrig won the toss and decided to play against the elements in the first half. Groats settled quickest and had United on the back foot Player/ Manager Stewart Ross with an early chance, glancing the ball passed Gray’s left hand post by the merest of fractions with the keeper beaten after Greg Shearer lofted in a freekick. It wasn’t exactly one way traffic but the majority of the time United were attempting to contain the Wick side and hit on the counter although Tony Farquhar was gaining little joy from the defensive duo of Miller and Ross and his frustration earned him the games first booking for an altercation with old foe Miller after 10 mins. Shearer forced Gray into the first save of the match after 20 mins with a shot from distance after cutting in from the left hand side and shooting from 25 yards but the keeper deflected wide for a corner. United have not had their troubles to seek this season on the injury front and the cloud that seems to be hanging over the squad burst again when the dominating figure of Brian Kenny succumbed to an ankle injury after a challenge with former player Jimmy Budge in the re-shuffle Derek Manson went to right back and Gary Mackay central defence. The big striker was then involved again when Sutherland got to the bye line and cut the ball back for his partner but Gray threw himself into the challenge and another corner was conceded. Garry Macleod was looking lively and a couple of times he managed to step inside Cumming but unfortunately could create the necessary opening. In the latter stages of the game Larnach twice had Gray scrambling across his goal but on both occasions the keeper managed to hold on to the ball. The final opportunity of the half saw Garry Macleod burst clear into the box in the left channel but his shot never looked liked troubling Williamson.
Half time
Pentland United 0-0 Groats
United opened up with a lot more purpose in the second period and an excellent block from Sean Stewart on Gary Bell thwarted the left sided midfielder getting a shot on goal from a Macleod cut back. United’s best opportunity came ten minutes into the half when a long Darryn Mackay throw was topped on by Tony Farquhar and Derek Manson seemed destined to open the scoring but his effort from a couple of yards went over under pressure from Cumming. Groats slowly started to come back into the game as the half progressed but United were more than in at this stage although it has to be said clear chances were at a premium it took a superb blocking tackle from JW Skinner after Jimmy Budge had wriggled free and fired goalwards but the sweeper made up the ground and deflected for a corner. From the resultant set-piece Gray eventually gathered after a little bit of head tennis and launched south but Cumming just had the edge on Macleod as they both raced clear and the full back mopped up the attack. Groats had a great opportunity with 15 to go when Larnach sprung the offside trap and drove in a cross cum shot that deflected off Skinner and Gray managed to block away with his legs although it took several attempts to actually clear the ball properly. The winner when it came was a super individual effort from Sandy Sutherland picking the ball up 30 yards from gaol he weaved his way passed 3 tackles before firing low passed Gray from the edge of the box for a priceless lead with less than 10 minutes remaining. United through on Steven Morris to try and rescue something from the game and the substitute had the final opportunity when Mackay’s freekick was knocked down by Farquhar but Morris’ shot was just too straight and Williamson held on as Groats moved 4 clear of their opponents
Full time
Pentland United 0-1 Groats
1. M Gray 2. G Mackay 3. G Bell 4. G Steven 5. B Kenny 6. J Skinner 7. W Inrig (c) 8. L Sutherland 9. T Farquhar 10. Darryn Mackay 11. G Macleod
View from the goal
Disappointing result overall pleased with the effort thought the boys competed well against a buoyant Groats side who are riding high. Think the deciding factor for me was the creativity offered in the wide areas where Groats were better than us on the night and full credit to them they play a decent brand of football. We are obviously lacking a little confidence and luck at the moment but these things only come back through perseverance and sheer hard work.
Half time
Pentland United 0-0 Groats
United opened up with a lot more purpose in the second period and an excellent block from Sean Stewart on Gary Bell thwarted the left sided midfielder getting a shot on goal from a Macleod cut back. United’s best opportunity came ten minutes into the half when a long Darryn Mackay throw was topped on by Tony Farquhar and Derek Manson seemed destined to open the scoring but his effort from a couple of yards went over under pressure from Cumming. Groats slowly started to come back into the game as the half progressed but United were more than in at this stage although it has to be said clear chances were at a premium it took a superb blocking tackle from JW Skinner after Jimmy Budge had wriggled free and fired goalwards but the sweeper made up the ground and deflected for a corner. From the resultant set-piece Gray eventually gathered after a little bit of head tennis and launched south but Cumming just had the edge on Macleod as they both raced clear and the full back mopped up the attack. Groats had a great opportunity with 15 to go when Larnach sprung the offside trap and drove in a cross cum shot that deflected off Skinner and Gray managed to block away with his legs although it took several attempts to actually clear the ball properly. The winner when it came was a super individual effort from Sandy Sutherland picking the ball up 30 yards from gaol he weaved his way passed 3 tackles before firing low passed Gray from the edge of the box for a priceless lead with less than 10 minutes remaining. United through on Steven Morris to try and rescue something from the game and the substitute had the final opportunity when Mackay’s freekick was knocked down by Farquhar but Morris’ shot was just too straight and Williamson held on as Groats moved 4 clear of their opponents
Full time
Pentland United 0-1 Groats
1. M Gray 2. G Mackay 3. G Bell 4. G Steven 5. B Kenny 6. J Skinner 7. W Inrig (c) 8. L Sutherland 9. T Farquhar 10. Darryn Mackay 11. G Macleod
View from the goal
Disappointing result overall pleased with the effort thought the boys competed well against a buoyant Groats side who are riding high. Think the deciding factor for me was the creativity offered in the wide areas where Groats were better than us on the night and full credit to them they play a decent brand of football. We are obviously lacking a little confidence and luck at the moment but these things only come back through perseverance and sheer hard work.