Okay chaps, we all know both
teams were a bit under-strength today on this damp,
cold day in December – as is the case at
this time of year when the Xmas festivities kick
in - but there was enough quality on show to give
us a fascinating contest that was to produce eight
goals. The first half belonged to Media as
they stormed into a runaway five-goal lead. They
were definitely on fire as they clicked with every
move. Each time they went up field, there
was always the feeling that another goal was looming.
But could the Shaws claw themselves back into
a game in which they had clearly been left demoralised? Only
a strong team would even consider launching a
fight back. And that’s the type of team
we witnessed today when the brave Shaws notched
up three second half goals during an amazing
blitz on the Mediaspec defence. But with
the clock ticking away, and huge gaps appearing
in the Shaws’ defence, Mediaspec were able
to launch a number of counter attacks; none of
which though ending in a goal - but the excitement
on show certainly had us all gasping at the end.
Crone Lob
The game kicked off on a high for Mediaspec
when Crone’s tenacity had resulted in a
goal inside thirty seconds. It had been
a long ball from defence that had looked pretty
harmless - with the defender being the favourite
to clear the danger. But despite being
sandwiched by the defender and the goalkeeper,
Crone nipped in to lob the keeper in spectacular
style.
Shaws retaliated with a free kick moments later,
but the ball went wide. Mediaspec, however,
went 2 – 0 in front in the 13th minute
when top scorer, McLean, fired a powerful header
into the back of the net following a free-kick
by Cad. Mediaspec could not believe the
ease at which they were slicing open the Shaws’ defence
when goal number 3 was scored in the 17th minute
- and what a beauty. From a throw-in that
was nodded backward by McLean, Crone had sprinted
down the wing before delivering a precision cross
for the unmarked McColgan to place his header
into the far corner.
Tony Brogan
Mediaspec nearly increased their lead in the
18th minute when Crone ‘s shot went wide. Another
chance fell Mediaspec’s way a minute later
when Smith had his shot deflected for a corner,
but it was from this corner that was to lead
to Mediaspec’s fourth goal. Up stepped
the battling Tony Brogan to fire the ball through
a clutch of bodies during a goal-mouth scramble.
The Shaws were most unlucky in the 25th minute
when the twice struck the woodwork. The
first hit appeared to be a mis-directed shot,
but the follow-up header was certainly intended. Mediaspec
were also unlucky a minute later when Crone had
faced a one-and-one with the keeper, but with
his effort going wide. There was no mistake
however in the 27th minute when McLean powerfully
headed home from a corner that can only be described
as the ‘Glesca kiss’ way to heid
a baaw’. Nae kidding! It slammed
into the net like a rocket on fire!
George Smith Goal
Was this game for real; five goals inside twenty-seven
minutes – everyone must have been asking. But
never believe you’re safe until you hear
the final whistle. That’s my advice. The
Shaws certainly proved this point by producing
an outstanding second half performance during
which they scored three goals. They started
the 2nd half in menacing fashion when Mediaspec’s
Chris Lamb saved well from a free-kick. But
they managed to pull a goal back in the 55th
minute when a clearance from a Mediaspec player
ricocheted off the back of his team mate to allow
George Smith to pounce with only the keeper to
beat.
The goal had been threatening for some time,
and it was no surprise when the Shaws had scored
another through Robert Williamson five minutes
later. Gaps were now appearing as the Shaws
pressed forward, and teenager, Vinnie Smith took
advantage in the 65th minute when he fired a
lovely effort inches over the bar. The
game was now swinging from end to end and Chris
Lamb was to come to Mediaspec’s rescue
three minutes later when he saved well from a
ferocious shot. The Shaws player had brilliantly
dribbled past three players before taking aim.
Vinnie
It was Mediaspec’s turn next with a chance
in the 75th minute when the skilful Smith fired
another effort that was saved by the Shaws keeper. The
best chance in this half however came moments
later when Crone attempted to dribble past the
Shaws keeper, but the keeper had read the script
to foil the attempt. Although Mediaspec
had created more chances than the Shaws during
this half, the Shaws had clearly dominated this
period. It was therefore no surprise when
Robbie Nelson pulled another goal back with nine
minutes remaining. But Mediaspec managed
to hold on to a glorious victory.
Team:
Chris
Lamb, John Dick, Eddie Roxburgh, Steg, Scott
Forrester, Jim Gattens, Thomas Carberry, Martin
McColgan, Jason McLean & Mick Crone
Subs:
Vinnie SmithMartin McColgan (18)
Jim Gattens (77)
