Mens 3 Vs Kelburne 3's

A confused trip to Largs did not seem an auspicious start to the next stage of the Cup campaign, and it was all the more memorable for us being chased from the dressing room by a very irate football coach.

The game started at a significant pace with Kelburne pressing hard to score early. Stout defending was the order of the day with Monks, White, Docherty (Jnr), Donachie and the outstanding Nicoll.

However, Kelburne’s confidence took and early knock, when a swift break resulted in a PC for the Wanderers which Pearson duly converted. Tragically the lead did not last long, with in a couple of minutes Kelburne had equalised, and despite appeals for a Kelburne foot in the D the goal stood.

For the remainder of the first half the game ebbed and flow with chances at either end, although both sides had a number of these, Kelburne were foiled by Nicoll (who was inspirational) and Wanderers were foiled by extensive over-excitement in front of the Kelburne goal.

However, justice was seen to be done a minute before halftime, when a second PC allowed Pearson to double his goal tally by slotting his drive through the goal keeper’s legs.

Half-time: Kelburne 1, Wanderers 2

After a stirring team talk and a discussion regarding calming down in front of goal the game began again.

Kelburne continued to press but their passing had become disjointed, and with a reorganisation that allowed the steading hand of Docherty (Snr) to take hold, and White to move into midfield the Kelburne team began to crumble under pressure.

Wanderers forays into the Kelburne circle became more numerous and increasingly effective. A number of chances went begging including a few caused by continued over-excitement in front of goal.

Eventually the pressure told and Polson slotted a goal from a near impossible angle that sounded the death knell for the Kelburne bid for a semi-final place.

Kelburne battled on, but found the Wanderers defence and Nicoll in fine form, denying them any further opportunity to score.

The final nail in the coffin came from a PC which was clinically dispatched by White to seal a well-deserved victory.

Many thanks to George Rollo for umpiring so well, and sacrificing most of his Sunday for a trip to Largs!

 Final score: Kelburne 1, Wanderers 4