Blanefield miss out on top spot

May 29 2009 by Jean Pedder, Stirling Observer Friday

BLANEFIELD 0

ROSEBANK UNDER 17’S 5

BLANEFIELD played their last league game knowing victory would give them a final chance of winning the league, and a point would guarantee second place.

Blanefield started brightly playing some good football, but not really managing to get a shot on target.

Then some slack defending saw the Rosebank left midfielder burst over the halfway line and fire a shot in from 40 yards in the top right hand corner. A fantastic goal which left keeper Kris Dempsey no chance.

Blanefield battled back into the game and were again playing some good football, but they just seemed to run out of ideas. Rosebank had a game plan of shooting from anywhere and this paid off big time.

Smithy who scored from the halfway line in a pre-season friendly again scored an absolute beauty from all of 35 yards. Then captain and ex-Blanefield player Jamie Hardie scored the goal of the match with a 40 yard half volley which rocketed into the top left corner. As good a goal that has been scored in the league all season.

This seemed to take the stuffing out of Blanefield and the game petered out with Blanefield losing 5-0.

This left Blanefield with no chance of winning the league now, but if Rosebank dropped a point from their next game then Blanefield would be runners up. Fortunately, on the Sunday ED Thistle wrapped up the league with a 4-1 victory over Rosebank and Blanefield were worthy runners-up. A remarkable feat considering last year the lads finished bottom of the league.

At the trophy presentation the awards went to: Player of the Year: Logan Grieve; Players player: Gordon Allan; Top goal scorer: Frazer McLaren; Goal of the Season: Benji West; Managers Award: Kris Dempsey; Most improved player: Benji West.

Steven Craven thank all players for their excellent attitude for the whole season. A great mix of fun and hard work saw the team play some fantastic football and almost win the league.

This is Steven’s last season with the lads and Blanefield are looking for a new coach to come in and help Stuart Grieve for next season, as the boys move up to Under 19’s.

Blanefield are looking for someone who is available for training on a Thursday night and league matches on a Sunday afternoon.

Anyone who may be interested should contact Stuart Grieve on 01360 449099.