Post by Michael Gray on Jul 8, 2009 12:46:47 GMT
After some disappointing results in recent weeks United knew only 3 points would allow them to retain even the smallest amount of interest in the title race. As it turned out a solid first half response from an early set-back was the foundation for 3 good points but still lingering concerns hang over their ability to see off teams with a less than convincing second period. The visitors made the early running and a super delivery from Gary Bell saw the ball partially cleared to Steven Morris near the penalty spot and he acrobatically sent the ball goal wards only for Anderson to produce a full length tip over the bar. United should have been ahead just before the ten minute mark when good running and link up between Marc Begg and Gary Bell saw the ball whipped in with pace by the latter Farquhar challenged and the ball broke to Morris in front of goal but he never made clean enough contact and the chance disappeared. The home side though now have a far more resilient look to them and they duly took the lead with their first serious attack good quick thinking from Macintyre with an early throw released Scott Bell whose attempt at an early cross came off the hand off Grant Steven although his hand was still at his side referee Munro awarded the penalty and former United man Adam Sutherland fired the ball low to Gray’s left hand side. Instead of feeling sorry for themselves United continued to plug away and make the majority of the running with good movement upfront and energy in midfield. Just before the 20 min mark they were level a fine move involving Morris, Farquhar and Lee Sutherland saw Derek Manson burst into the box only to be barged from behind by Adam Sutherland and once again Mr Munro showed no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Tony Farquhar assumed the responsibility and duly planted the ball to Anderson’s right with the keeper going the other way. This fired United on and five minutes later they were ahead Derek Manson swung in a freekick to the box Maclean half cleared to the edge of the box where Gary Bell won the loose ball feeding Steven Morris who sent a powerful drive fizzing passed Anderson from 12 yards. The were a couple of controversial moments in quick succession both involving young Marc Begg firstly great feet work down the left drawing a very rash two footed challenge from Smith, which on another night could have earned a red card. The winger must have thought his old team-mates had taken a dislike to him as minutes later he outpaced Smith to a long Gray clearance knocked the ball passed Anderson who seemed to clatter the winger as he went passed but to the amazement of the United contingent Munro ruled in favour of the keeper. United were undeterred and continued to make the running although Hamilton and Gavin Sutherland were dangerous on the counter. On 40 mins Farquhar headed over from another super Bell delivery from the right. United got the crucial third goal just on half time when yet again persistent play from Begg and Bell saw the ball swept across for Morris to finish in some style at the far post with a vicious shot rising passed Anderson into the roof of the net from 10 yards.
Half time
Thurso Pentland 1-3 Pentland United
The third goal seemed to have deflated Pentlands and United continued to hold the upper hand although the physical presence of Hamilton was causing the United rearguard some problems. Even though United were on top they very nearly put themselves in all sorts of bother when facing their first corner of the second period when the entire defensive line stayed on the ground and never reacted to the high ball but fortunately there was no-one at the far post to capitalise. On the hour mark the game should have been out of sight when a superb sweeping move so Morris release Derek Manson down the right and drilled in a low cross to the far post where Begg controlled stepped inside Johns leaving him facing Anderson but the keeper got down very well to block the wingers effort. Steven Morris then tried his luck from distance although given his space on the right hand side he should have perhaps continued forward. Slowly however Pentlands were starting to come into the game Hamilton had a half chance on 65 mins when good play from Munro on the left found the striker in the area but the ball would just not sit for him and in the end he could only fire straight at Gray. Minutes later Gavin Sutherland tried a freekick from distance but although it beat the wall Gray smothered at his near post. With just over half an hour left came what could have been a massive turning point Marc Begg was played in on keeper Anderson who produced another fine block on his penalty spot only for the ball to break free to the inrushing Lee Sutherland who fired wide of an open goal to everyone’s astonishment. Suddenly United seemed to become nervous added to by Gary Mackay succumbing to a knock on the hip. Although Pentlands were now enjoying their best spell as United became ragged in their play there looked very little danger as they faced another long ball into the box but a complete misunderstanding in central defence saw the ball drop to Gavin Sutherland whose shot deflected off Grant Steven looping up and over keeper Gray to hand the home side a lifeline. The closing stages were littered by slack United play failing to hold on to the ball and allowing their opponents to throw men forward in search of an equaliser. It was not to be however as United survived the late storm to earn 3 very welcome points.
Full time
Thurso Pentland 2-3 Pentland United
1. M Gray 2. G Mackay (Darren Mackay 78) 3. G Bell 4. G Steven 5. Darryn Mackay 6. J Skinner 7. W Inrig (c) 8. L Sutherland 9. T Farquhar 10. S Morris (S Gray 85) 11. M Begg
Subs not used
J Begg
View from the goal
Well not a classic but good contest all the same it is just a pity we undid a lot of our good work by a woeful second period where we failed to be clinical in front of goal and also not strong enough in defence where we usually are. Bottom line though is we have hopefully put a rough few weeks behind us and can now look forward to getting a few more points on the board.
Half time
Thurso Pentland 1-3 Pentland United
The third goal seemed to have deflated Pentlands and United continued to hold the upper hand although the physical presence of Hamilton was causing the United rearguard some problems. Even though United were on top they very nearly put themselves in all sorts of bother when facing their first corner of the second period when the entire defensive line stayed on the ground and never reacted to the high ball but fortunately there was no-one at the far post to capitalise. On the hour mark the game should have been out of sight when a superb sweeping move so Morris release Derek Manson down the right and drilled in a low cross to the far post where Begg controlled stepped inside Johns leaving him facing Anderson but the keeper got down very well to block the wingers effort. Steven Morris then tried his luck from distance although given his space on the right hand side he should have perhaps continued forward. Slowly however Pentlands were starting to come into the game Hamilton had a half chance on 65 mins when good play from Munro on the left found the striker in the area but the ball would just not sit for him and in the end he could only fire straight at Gray. Minutes later Gavin Sutherland tried a freekick from distance but although it beat the wall Gray smothered at his near post. With just over half an hour left came what could have been a massive turning point Marc Begg was played in on keeper Anderson who produced another fine block on his penalty spot only for the ball to break free to the inrushing Lee Sutherland who fired wide of an open goal to everyone’s astonishment. Suddenly United seemed to become nervous added to by Gary Mackay succumbing to a knock on the hip. Although Pentlands were now enjoying their best spell as United became ragged in their play there looked very little danger as they faced another long ball into the box but a complete misunderstanding in central defence saw the ball drop to Gavin Sutherland whose shot deflected off Grant Steven looping up and over keeper Gray to hand the home side a lifeline. The closing stages were littered by slack United play failing to hold on to the ball and allowing their opponents to throw men forward in search of an equaliser. It was not to be however as United survived the late storm to earn 3 very welcome points.
Full time
Thurso Pentland 2-3 Pentland United
1. M Gray 2. G Mackay (Darren Mackay 78) 3. G Bell 4. G Steven 5. Darryn Mackay 6. J Skinner 7. W Inrig (c) 8. L Sutherland 9. T Farquhar 10. S Morris (S Gray 85) 11. M Begg
Subs not used
J Begg
View from the goal
Well not a classic but good contest all the same it is just a pity we undid a lot of our good work by a woeful second period where we failed to be clinical in front of goal and also not strong enough in defence where we usually are. Bottom line though is we have hopefully put a rough few weeks behind us and can now look forward to getting a few more points on the board.