Thornhill see off Rovers in final

Jun 26 2009 by Jean Pedder, Stirling Observer Friday

THORNHILL 3

BALFRON ROVERS 1

THORNHILL collected the first trophy of the season when they defeated Balfron Rovers by three goals to one in the Margaret White final played at Drymen on Tuesday.

With a three goal lead after less than half an hour they appeared to be on Easy Street but Balfron gave them a fight and with a bit of luck or composure in front of goal might have made the result much closer.

Thornhill got off to a flying start, David Lamont running clear of the Balfron defence to score after only three minutes. After that it was end to end with neither side able to add the final touch.

Balfron were particularly shot-shy and Thornhill always looked the more dangerous in front of goal.

In 24 minutes the 'Hill went two up when Steven Scott slipped clear of his markers to head home from a corner.

Four minutes later it looked as if it was all over when Stewart Anderson curled in a 30 yard free kick which Gregor Stewart saw late and could only touch as it went in for number three.

In the last quarter of an hour of the first half Balfron started to chase the game and David Reid forced Owen Cameron to get down sharply to make a fine save.

The keeper had no such success against Craig Reid when the young winger beat him to the ball out wide, rounded him and another defender before scoring from a very narrow angle.

That goal late in the half gave Balfron fresh hope and they started the second half with a flourish.

Inside a minute they had a corner and Andy Pender's header across goal was no more than a foot wide. The effect of a goal at that point is anyone's guess but the near miss reminded both sides that the game was far from over.

The second half was contested vigorously with thrills and spills but no goals. There were chances at both ends, near things, misses, saves but no goals.

Six minutes from the end Balfron were given a life line when a penalty kick for handling was awarded. David Reid hit his kick firmly enough but Owen Cameron got down to block the shot and then recovered to knock away for a corner Craig Reid's follow up on the rebound.

That turned out to be Balfron's last chance and Thornhill took the Margaret White Trophy for a record seven times in the 28 years of the competition.

Thornhill: Owen Cameron, Fraser Scott, Stuart McLaren, Stewart Anderson, David Lamont, Gareth Killen, Ian Young (Capt), Andy Bailey, Steven Scott, Stuart Donaldson, Callum Smith, subs. Gary Blair, Charlie McPherson, Greg Guthrie and Alistair Smith.

Balfron Rovers: Gregor Stewart, Lewis Anderson, Stevie Day (Capt), Alec Hailstones, Dougie Pender, Richard Hailstones, Ewan Sneddon, David Reid, Steven Nicholson, Craig Reid, Andy Pender, Subs: Gary Buchanan, Gordon Reid, Greg Harrower, Logan McGregor and Stuart Grant.

Referee: Mr Craig Young.