Post by Michael Gray on Jul 13, 2009 8:20:17 GMT
The embers of United’s title fire were again dampened as John O’Groats secured a valuable 3 points with a late Henstridge winner after United had taken a first half lead and were looking comfortable until James Skinner saw red with 25 minutes to go. These fixtures are never for the faint hearted and this was to be another typically tousy affair. United got in an early fankle when Gary Mackay passed back to Gray who in turn tried to find John Skinner who was already under pressure the outcome was a freekick to Groats 25 yards from goal, Grant Budge assumed responsibility but fired over. Steven Morris did well after 10 minutes latching on to a Begg through ball he managed to outpace Tait then turned back inside Stuart Sinclair (ygr) but Tait recovered to make an excellent block tackle as the striker prepared to shoot. The visiting support was up in arms just before the twenty minute mark when Grant Budge was released clean in on Gray the former United man knocked the ball passed the keeper who read his intentions early and turned in pursuit of the ball Budge then crashed to the ground as he collided with Gray’s shoulder but referee Elder saw no infringement. Five minutes later came the next flash point when Stuart Sinclair (snr) made a shocking two footed challenge on Steven Morris that could have easily warranted a red card but referee Elder viewed it as a yellow. Goal scoring chances were at a premium though with both sides battling away in midfield. Gary Mackay missed a half chance to open the scoring when a Begg corner picked him out at the far post but he could not get over his volley and it flew harmlessly over. James Skinner nearly marked his return to a PU shirt with goal as well when he latched on to a loose ball after a Bell cross was only half cleared but Stuart Sinclair (snr) bravely blocked the effort away. Skinner made no mistake moments later when United took the lead just before the break there seemed little danger when the combatitive midfielder picked the ball up 25 yards from goal but a vicious swerve completely outfoxed Henderson and the ball landed in the net. United had another half chance just before the break when Derek Manson picked on a loose ball on the edge of the box and lobbed the ball in and Steven Morris beat Henderson to the ball but only succeeded in prodding the ball wide before being clattered by the keeper.
Half time
Pentland United 1-0 John O’Groats
Groats came out with a fresh impetus and certainly started the second period brighter Grant Budge had a mazy run in from the left drawing the United defence before driving the ball wide much to his frustration. Moments later Martin Sinclair made a similar break but again the result was the same. Grant Campbell and crucially James Skinner both entered the referee’s book ten minuets into the half after separate lunge’s quick succession forced Graeme Elder to take action. On the hour mark United should have taken a two goal advantage superb play from Tony Farquhar after taking a throw from Manson saw him burst into the box beat two players to the bye line and cut the ball back perfectly for Steven Morris who took a touch before shooting towards the empty net but it struck the post and Marc Begg could not net the rebound. This marked the downward spiral for United as five minutes later a lunge on Martin Sinclair marked the end of the evening for James Skinner as he was dismissed for a challenge too many. The pressure started to rise then considerably however United were holding firm and Groats although certainly on top were failing to create clear opportunities until 15 mins from time when Grant Budge drew a challenge from Gary Mackay and went down in the area referee Elder ruled in favour of the visitors and awarded a penalty, which Campbell duly dispatched passed Gray. The game continued at boiling point and United should have retaken the lead immediately when a superb Bell freekick over the top picked out Farquhar at the far post but his header drifted wide. The big striker was having a fine match though and moments later he did the donkey work to release Morris in on the angle but his shot failed to trouble Henderson rising high over the bar. This marked United’s last opening as Groats started to turn the screw forcing numerous freekicks the last 3 minutes from time saw the roof come in Campbell intelligently slipped the ball down the wall to Munro who raced to the byeline and attempted a cross, which was half cleared back to him in a suspiciously offside position but this time he made no mistake crossing to the far post where Henstridge netted with a fine header to send the visiting support into raptures.
Full time
Pentland United 1-2 John O’Groats
1. M Gray 2. G Mackay 3. G Bell 4. G Steven 5. John Skinner 6. James Skinner 7. D Manson 8. L Sutherland 9. T Farquhar 10. S Morris (Darren Mackay 78) 11. M Begg (M Baker 75)
Subs not used
S Gray
R Begg
View from the goal
A game that pretty much sums up our season close but no cigar the opportunities were there to win the match but we failed to take them and although defended valiantly it was just to big an ask to keep them that long with only a one goal advantage. It was a tense affair but felt we lost our discipline near the end conceding far too many set plays and must learn to defend with more composure as the heat is turned up. Could not fault the effort though and we must try and take heart from that re-group and gain as many points as possible between now and end of the season finishing as high as possible still a lot to play for but the title is now beyond us I would say.
Half time
Pentland United 1-0 John O’Groats
Groats came out with a fresh impetus and certainly started the second period brighter Grant Budge had a mazy run in from the left drawing the United defence before driving the ball wide much to his frustration. Moments later Martin Sinclair made a similar break but again the result was the same. Grant Campbell and crucially James Skinner both entered the referee’s book ten minuets into the half after separate lunge’s quick succession forced Graeme Elder to take action. On the hour mark United should have taken a two goal advantage superb play from Tony Farquhar after taking a throw from Manson saw him burst into the box beat two players to the bye line and cut the ball back perfectly for Steven Morris who took a touch before shooting towards the empty net but it struck the post and Marc Begg could not net the rebound. This marked the downward spiral for United as five minutes later a lunge on Martin Sinclair marked the end of the evening for James Skinner as he was dismissed for a challenge too many. The pressure started to rise then considerably however United were holding firm and Groats although certainly on top were failing to create clear opportunities until 15 mins from time when Grant Budge drew a challenge from Gary Mackay and went down in the area referee Elder ruled in favour of the visitors and awarded a penalty, which Campbell duly dispatched passed Gray. The game continued at boiling point and United should have retaken the lead immediately when a superb Bell freekick over the top picked out Farquhar at the far post but his header drifted wide. The big striker was having a fine match though and moments later he did the donkey work to release Morris in on the angle but his shot failed to trouble Henderson rising high over the bar. This marked United’s last opening as Groats started to turn the screw forcing numerous freekicks the last 3 minutes from time saw the roof come in Campbell intelligently slipped the ball down the wall to Munro who raced to the byeline and attempted a cross, which was half cleared back to him in a suspiciously offside position but this time he made no mistake crossing to the far post where Henstridge netted with a fine header to send the visiting support into raptures.
Full time
Pentland United 1-2 John O’Groats
1. M Gray 2. G Mackay 3. G Bell 4. G Steven 5. John Skinner 6. James Skinner 7. D Manson 8. L Sutherland 9. T Farquhar 10. S Morris (Darren Mackay 78) 11. M Begg (M Baker 75)
Subs not used
S Gray
R Begg
View from the goal
A game that pretty much sums up our season close but no cigar the opportunities were there to win the match but we failed to take them and although defended valiantly it was just to big an ask to keep them that long with only a one goal advantage. It was a tense affair but felt we lost our discipline near the end conceding far too many set plays and must learn to defend with more composure as the heat is turned up. Could not fault the effort though and we must try and take heart from that re-group and gain as many points as possible between now and end of the season finishing as high as possible still a lot to play for but the title is now beyond us I would say.