Rovers' late sub Reid nets semi-final winner

Jun 19 2009 by Our Correspondent, Stirling Observer Friday

BALFRON ROVERS 2

BLANEFIELD THISTLE 1

THE Margaret White Trophy semi-final at Drymen turned out to be another test of the nerves for the Rovers’ support, however the players again displayed their never give up spirit when things are not going to plan.

There was the usual frantic start with neither side being allowed the chance to play much studied football. After eight minutes Balfron took the lead when Greg Harrower and David Reid made ground on the right and when the ball was crossed into the goalmouth John Skinner was on hand to score.

That was one of the very few chances either side had to score and the game continued as before with defences well in charge. The stalemate was broken in 33 minutes when Blanefield gained a free kick about 30 yards out.

The teams lined up for a lob into the area but Del McAuslane blasted in a hard shot straight at Steven Skinner. The keeper had both hands on the ball before letting it squirm away from him and over the line for the equaliser.

Balfron might have regained their lead shortly after when the ball bounced along the Thistle crossbar before falling behind for a goal kick but that was as close as it got before the interval.

For much of the second half neither side was able to take a firm grip on the game. Blanefield gradually gained some sort of superiority in terms of territory and possession but Steven Skinner had only two outstanding save to make as his mates usually intervened successfully to turn back the Thistle attack.

At the other end Balfron with less of the ball probably had more shots in the approximate direction of the goal but keeper Chris Dempsey was seldom in action as Balfron failed to get much on target.

With time running out extra time seemed to be a possibility but the game was turned round when Balfron changed their format bringing on Gordon Reid to play up front with Andy Pender. Youthful they may be but they livened up things for the Rovers and with ten minutes left they were joined in the attack by Dougie Pender – their good work leaving David Reid with no more than a tap in for the winner.

Balfron now face Thornhill in next Tuesday's final at Drymen. The sides have not met so far this season but both have been getting good results. Neither was favourite to win their semi-final match - except in their own camp - but they did. Thornhill certainly had the more impressive form in their semi-final. Balfron on the other hand performed only in fits and starts but when they were good they were very good. It should be well worth watching.

BALFRON ROVERS vBUCHLYVIE UNITED.

BALFRON'S winning run was brought to an unlikely end last week but not by any of their Forth & Endrick colleagues.

On Thursday their pitch convenor went along to Donaldson Park to start to prepare the pitch for Saturday's fixture with Buchlyvie. To his dismay he found that two areas of the pitch in the centre circle and in one of the goalmouths had been stripped of turf.

When he contacted the Parks & Recreation people in Stirling to find out what was going on, they advised him that they had noticed that there were bare patches which needed attention and it was usual to deal with these during the close season.

They were in turn surprised to be reminded that the Forth & Endrick is a summer league with games played from April to September.

In any event they were unable to do anything before midweek and the games on Saturday and Tuesday had to be postponed. It is understood that the surface will be playable immediately after the work is done.