Post by Michael Gray on Jul 21, 2009 12:38:11 GMT
The result the previous night with the Swifts defeat allowed United to believe for a little more but only until the end of another dismal display resulted in another defeat allowing Rovers to believe that avoiding relegation may yet be a possibility. There was no indication in the first half that the roof would fall in on United as they deservedly took a one goal advantage in at half time and should have been far more comfortable but the game is never over until the fat lady sings as the Dunnet side have found out to their cost on numerous occasions this season. The home side in fact missed a glorious opportunity in the opening minutes when a Macleod drive was controlled on edge of 6 yard box before he spun and fired wide. Manager Gray opted for an attacking line-up with Garry Macleod and Marc Begg supporting Tony Farquhar and young winger Begg had a great early chance when Farquhar intelligently knocked down a Macleod lay off into his path but he opted for power and it flew over. Garry Macleod was proving a good outlet and he created the opener after 20 mins when burst into the box before crossing to the far post for Begg to finally open his United account. The former Ross County man may even have had a hat-trick if he had taken his chances as moments later another Farquhar assist saw him with a clear sight of goal but he snatched at the chance then went down under the challenge of Harrold but referee Macdonald saw no interference. Gradually through the prompting of Duffy Rovers started to come back into the game and Coghill warmed Gray’s gloves on the angle after the tall striker had sent him clear. Tony Farquhar had the best chance in the remainder of the half nodding over from another Macleod cross.
Half time
Rovers 0-1 Pentland United
The home side certainly lifted themselves in the second period and Macleod showed early intent with a long ranger wide. Darryn Mackay was narrowly off target after 55 mins with a fine bending effort after some neat interchanges down the left with Bell. Substitute Morris was denied a instant impact by a quite stunning one handed save from Aitken in the home goal latching on to a Farquhar lay off he smashed the ball goalwards from 12 yards only to see the keeper pull off a spectacular save. Then the clouds started to blacken as Lyall equalised after receiving the ball in the box he shot through the legs off Steven beating Gray at his near post to level the game United started to hurry on in the hope of finding a winner. Morris again was thwarted by a last ditch Davidson block. United were holding the upper hand pressing Rovers back but susceptible to the counter as Duffy continued to impress however the visitors regained the lead 15 mins from time a Darryn Mackay corner was smashed in form close range by Steven Morris. However United had not even drawn breath when they were hauled back again Jappy spun away from Derek Manson down the left and fed Duffy 20 yards from goal and he spun Skinner who hauled the striker back but to everyone’s astonishment the referee ruled the infringement inside the area and Davidson did not miss the opportunity to fire home the equaliser. Just when the United fans thought things could not get any worse they did Macdonald latched on to a bouncing ball 25 yards from goal and struck a sweet volley passed the diving Gray. Right at the death Lee Sutherland failed to smuggle the ball over the line after yet another set-piece caused havoc in the home penalty area.
Full time
Rovers 3-2 Pentland United
1. M Gray 2. D Manson (M Baker 80) 3. G Bell 4. G Steven 5. John Skinner 6. Darryn Mackay 7. G Macleod 8. L Sutherland 9. T Farquhar 10. R Begg (S Morris 70) 11. M Begg
Subs not used
S Gray
View from the goal
Demoralising game so many chances then to lose such poor goals just seems the belief is being sucked from us at the moment need to re-group as still a County trophy to play for even if the league is long gone.
Half time
Rovers 0-1 Pentland United
The home side certainly lifted themselves in the second period and Macleod showed early intent with a long ranger wide. Darryn Mackay was narrowly off target after 55 mins with a fine bending effort after some neat interchanges down the left with Bell. Substitute Morris was denied a instant impact by a quite stunning one handed save from Aitken in the home goal latching on to a Farquhar lay off he smashed the ball goalwards from 12 yards only to see the keeper pull off a spectacular save. Then the clouds started to blacken as Lyall equalised after receiving the ball in the box he shot through the legs off Steven beating Gray at his near post to level the game United started to hurry on in the hope of finding a winner. Morris again was thwarted by a last ditch Davidson block. United were holding the upper hand pressing Rovers back but susceptible to the counter as Duffy continued to impress however the visitors regained the lead 15 mins from time a Darryn Mackay corner was smashed in form close range by Steven Morris. However United had not even drawn breath when they were hauled back again Jappy spun away from Derek Manson down the left and fed Duffy 20 yards from goal and he spun Skinner who hauled the striker back but to everyone’s astonishment the referee ruled the infringement inside the area and Davidson did not miss the opportunity to fire home the equaliser. Just when the United fans thought things could not get any worse they did Macdonald latched on to a bouncing ball 25 yards from goal and struck a sweet volley passed the diving Gray. Right at the death Lee Sutherland failed to smuggle the ball over the line after yet another set-piece caused havoc in the home penalty area.
Full time
Rovers 3-2 Pentland United
1. M Gray 2. D Manson (M Baker 80) 3. G Bell 4. G Steven 5. John Skinner 6. Darryn Mackay 7. G Macleod 8. L Sutherland 9. T Farquhar 10. R Begg (S Morris 70) 11. M Begg
Subs not used
S Gray
View from the goal
Demoralising game so many chances then to lose such poor goals just seems the belief is being sucked from us at the moment need to re-group as still a County trophy to play for even if the league is long gone.