MONTROSE ROSELEA v DUNDEE NORTH END

MCBOOKIE.COM EAST PREMIER LEAGUE
SAT 28^th FEB 2015 

After a start stop beginning to 2015 with postponements Roselea hoped to get back on track when Dundee North End come to Broomfield Park. Roselea of course were looking to extend their current form in the League whilst North End come searching for points after finding themselves at the wrong end of a tight table compared to when the two sides met in October near the start of Roseleas great run. Roselea had a couple of absentees with Collier and Reid big misses for the home side and Scott McComiskie a big player for the away side still recovering from a broken leg. Despite the weather improving it turned out to be a bitterly cold day at Broomfield with a cross wind going to cause difficulty. 

Roselea: Mcleod, Findlater, Reoch, Whyte, R Taylor, Mitchell, Anderson, Rae, Cruickshank, Watson & Tringham. Subs: McDowell, Greig, Keogh, Smith & Thomson 

North End were involved in the first chance of the game when a long cross was almost met by Gibb but he was given offside in anycase in 5 minutes. 

In 10 minutes Anderson broke down the right hand side and with three men in the middle he clipped the ball in and a North End defender cleared as Mitchell looked to take the ball down. Gibb had an excellent chance to put the visitors ahead in 15 minutes when Rae was robbed in midfield and the ball broke to the striker leaving him one on one with Mcleod however he  tried to chip the keeper but his weak effort was easily held by McLeod. 

In 16 minutes Craig Anderson was gifted a great chance when Smart played the ball straight to him however as he bore down on goal he squared to Watson to knock home but Stewart had tracked back to get a tackle in. 

North End had the next attempt in 28 minutes when a free kick was headed goalwards by Johnathon Smart and Mcleod had to climb to clutch the ball from the top corner of the goal. 

Calum Watson then had a great chanced to get the opening goal on the half hour when he caught Smart napping but the keeper stood up well as he tried to curl the ball around and into the net. 

North End conjoured something out of nothing when Gibb shot from a tight angle and although it didn’t look dangerous Mcleod palmed the ball with one hand and it came down off the bar before Taylor cleared. North End also had the last chance of the half but yet again the ball was scooped over the bar. 

Half Time: Montrose Roselea 0 Dundee North End 0 

North End had the first chance of the half when Reoch was dispossessed on the byeline by Gibb and he cut the ball back to Nije who shot goalwards and when Mcleod spilled the ball it took a good tackle from Taylor to clear the danger. 

It was 1-0 North End in 55 minutes and the goal had been coming. A corner was cleared and the right back went on a great run from the half way line before sending a great cross to the far post which was chested home by NIJE. 

Roselea made a change on the hour mark with McDowell replacing Findlater. They then made another change in 75 minutes with Stephen Greig coming on for Calum Rae. 

In 78 minutes Mitchell put in a great far post cross and Whyte seemed to be impeded as he tried to attack the ball but referee Traynor did not agree. 

A minute later Roselea got back level with a goal out of nothing. A free kick was given in a central area and Tringham met Andersons free kick with a header which fell to Calum WATSON who managed to hook the ball in off the post with an acrobatic effort. 

Both sides pushed in the remaining minutes with Roselea looking in danger at the back as they pushed bodies forward as they hunted for the win but both sides had to settle for a point. 

Full Time: Montrose Roselea 1 Dundee North End 1 

This was a very frustrating performance from the home side against a very poor North End side. It was more of a point gained as it was not a classy performance. Both sides missed chances before the deadlock was broken . With St Andrews and Dalkeith both drawing Roselea did not lose any ground at the top of the Table but they will need to improve if they are to maintain a challenge. The result keeps Roselea’s unbeaten League run going and now have 10 games undefeated.     

MONTROSE ROSELEA v OAKLEY UTD

MCBOOKIE.COM EAST PREMIER LEAGUE
SAT 31^st JAN 2015 

Roselea managed to beat the artic conditions on Saturday being one of only a handful of games which beat the weather however most spectators were not sure if this had been a good thing. The Broomfield Park surface was damp but flat however a near gale force wind blew across the pitch making a change from the usual end to end wind. 

Roselea had been on an eight game winning run and were boosted by the return of several players who were due to miss the previous week’s game which had been postponed. Ross Mcleod returned in goal despite needing a strapping with James Collier, Ross Mitchell and Calum Watson all starting despite due to miss the week before. Paul & Craig Taylor missed out through injury with Michael Cruickshank & Aaron Thomson unavailable by work. 

Oakley Utd arrived in decent form having recorded wins against Tayport and Dalkeith in their previous two games. They also defeated Roselea 2-0 in the corresponding game in a much warmer month of August. They were just 3 points behind Roselea but had played two more games. 

Roselea: Mcleod, Rae, Whyte, Reoch, R Taylor, Mitchell, Anderson, Collier, Tringham, Watson & Reid. Subs: Smith, Findlater, Greig, McDowell & Massie (GK).

It was one nil Oakley in 7 minutes with the first attack of the game. Dale Allan put in a great curling cross and his namesake COULTER sneaked in front of Tringham to prod home from 6 yards out at the far post. 

Oakley were looking lively and moving the ball well in midfield. They took a quick free kick which allowed Allan to send in a curling left foot shot which went just over the bar. Oakley dominated the next ten minutes and seemed to be very slick on the ball in midfield whilst also looking to threaten on the break. 

Roselea finally got a chance in 20 minutes when Collier struck a shot from 25 yards and it was deflected behind for a corner. When the corner came in Whyte flicked on and the ball would not fall to a player in green in the scramble and Tapping cleared. 

Roselea had a great chance to equalise in the 21^st minute when Reid was released by Watson and rounded the keeper before shooting against the legs of Conners who was on the post. Interestingly keeper Manderson was booked for having impeded Reid before rounding him and staying on his feet. 

The dangerous Watt of Oakley then had a shot go just wide in 24 minutes but had been flagged for offside. 

Roselea had their best move of the game so far in the 26^th minute when Anderson put Mitchell down the right line and his low cross was met well by Watson with a low shot but the shot went low to Manderson who saved well. 

Roselea’s pressure paid off with an equaliser in the 29^th minute and it was from an Oakley mistake. Conners was woefully short with his passback to the keeper and allowed WATSON to drive in and steady himself before blasting the ball high into the net from an angle.

 It was then to be 2-1 to the home side 6 minutes before the break. A long clearance flew up the Oakley left hand side and Dale REID with great timing and his electric pace outstripped the defence before steadying himself and shooting low into the corner of the next from 16 yards.

Half Time: Montrose Roselea 2 Oakley Utd 1

The first action of an even colder second half saw Kyle Findlater replace Ryan Taylor who had picked up a strain in 57 minutes. 

Oakley then had a good spell again and several times Mcleod had to come and smother balls which the away side had used up the right hand side with the strikers very close to getting contact. 

The game was still very much in the balance with the next goal going to have massive impact on the outcome.

Roselea were awarded a free kick which was missed the referee but correctly given by his Assistant. Andrew Tringham curled a low shot round the wall using the wind to assist him but Manderson did well to hold under pressure. 

In 68 minutes Mitchell slotted a ball in to Watson who took his touch slightly wide making his finish harder and he shot against Manderson. 

In 79 minutes Roselea sealed the three points and their ninth consecutive win with a penalty. Mitchell again put Watson down the right and his cross found Tringham who was brought down as he rounded Manderson. As so happens now the penalty kick was not the only problem for Oakley as Manderson was red carded. Dale REID struck a great penalty past Reid who deputised and after having a great game outfield his first job was to pick the ball out of the net. 

Roselea made a second change in 82 minutes with Stephen Greig replacing Calum Watson. They made their third and final change in 86 minutes with McDowell coming on for Tringham who picked up a knock. Roselea saw out the remaining minutes which saw Oakley press for a way back into the game which finished with a snow flurry to compound the cold. 

Full Time; Montrose Roselea 3 Oakley Utd 1

ARNISTON RANGERS V MONTROSE ROSELEA

MCBOOKIE.COM EAST PREMIER LEAGUE

SAT JAN 17^TH 2015 

Roselea unexpectedly travelled to Gorebridge, Edinburgh to face Arniston Rangers. With most of the country frostbound and the home sides previous weeks game being postponed it was hugely expected that the game would be off however the match referee passed the pitch playable at 9am.  Roselea travelled without the injured Ross Mitchell who picked up a knock against Dundee Violet the previous week and Scott McDowell who was still resting his groin along with Craig Taylor. James Collier also picked up a knock against Violet and was subjected to a pre match fitness test which he did not pass meaning he took a place on the bench. Kyle Findlater returned from his bug and slotted in at right back with Calum Rae moving forward into the right midfield berth.  Roselea were on a fantastic run of seven straight League wins and with only two games on in the East Region a win would possibly see Roselea go joint top in the Premier League.  

Roselea: Mcleod, Findlater, R Taylor, Reoch, Whyte, Rae, Anderson, Smith, Cruickshank, Watson & Reid. Subs: Tringham, Thomson, P Taylor, Collier & Greig

Arniston kicked off on a surprisingly frost free but heavy pitch and created the first chance in the 4^th minute when Ryan Taylor conceded a corner. Mcleod’s punch was not convincing and Reoch was well placed to clear when the ball fell to him at the back post. 

In 9 minutes a long Taylor clearance was flicked on by Watson and Reid was marginally offside as he broke free. In 15 minutes Roselea had their best move of the game when the ball was played wide to Rae and his cross was punched clear by Cornet under a Watson challenge and the ball fell to Cruickshank but he could not get a shot away. In 18 minutes Cruickshank was looking hungry for the ball and when his low cross was missed by a defender there were no Roselea attackers in the vicinity to take advantage. 

The game was swinging from end to end and Arniston had the next chance when Bauld cut inside Ryan Taylor with Mcleod being very alert to tackle with his feet in 21 minutes. Arniston had a great chance to open the deadlock in 25 minutes when Findlater played Kateleza onside at the other side of the pitch and a great tackle from Whyte saw the ball deflect into the side netting for a corner. 

Again the play swung from end to end and just as quickly as Reid was almost in for Roselea Kateleza broke and squared to Moffat who was pulled up for a handball just as he was away to shoot. Miller then had the first on target shot for the home team when his 30 yard shot was well held by Mcleod. 

Roselea hit the bar in the 34^th minute when Watson took advantage of a slack pass and only some pressure from Callaghan possibly made it more difficult and his shot smacked off the crossbar and away to safety. In 40 minutes Roselea had the last chance of what was a fairly even first half. The ball fell to Rae 8 yards out and he scooped his shot over the bar. 

Half Time: Arniston Rangers 0 Montrose Roselea 0 

Roselea took the lead with the first chance of the second half in the 52^nd minute. Dale REID took advantage of a slip by a home defender on the half way line and progressed 25 yards and when his early shot came back to him he rounded keeper Cornet before shooting home from the angle for goal number 19 of the season. 

Roselea made an immediate change with Andrew Tringham coming on for Morgan Smith. 

A minute later Rae went close with a chipped shot from the angle that the home keeper was glad to see drop over the top. 

Arniston forced a series of corners on the hour mark and Moffat was sending in dangerous balls. Dale Reid back tracked on one clearance and had to be accurate with his tackle to avoid a penalty kick. 

In 63 minutes Miller of Arniston was booked for cutting Cruickshank down in the middle of the park with Roselea preferring if the advantage had been given. Cruickshank took the kick himself which was bang in the middle of the goals 25 yards out but did not get enough power to threaten Cornet. 

With 71 minutes gone Roselea created another chance on the break when Tringham played Watson in wide and when he slid and won the ball from the defender and tried to chip the keeper from the angle but was off target. 

Arniston kept plugging away however their best effort was more dangerous corners from Moffat which Roselea dealt with. 

Anderson went on a run into the box in 75 minutes and when Cornet turned his shot along the line Reid just failed to keep the ball in. 

There was another Arniston booking when this time Reid broke free and Watson brought him down and luckily he had cover behind him. 

In 80 minutes Roselea’s Whyte did well to head a corner over his own bar whilst under severe pressure.  Roselea seen out the remaining minutes however there was one last save for Mcleod to make when he had to hold a dipping free kick under pressure in the last minute of regulation time. Stephen Greig replaced Calum Watson as Roselea ran the clock down to seal their 8^th successive League win in a row, 

Final Score: Arniston Rangers 0 Montrose Roselea 1

This was yet another deserved but hard fought for win by the team. The win along with Dalkeiths loss at Oakley Utd means Roselea move to top joint of the Premier League albeit they have played two more games than St Andrews. This has been an amazing turnaround in fortunes after taking just four points from their first eight games. There were great displays from the defence who were solid yet again and the front two worked their socks off to secure the win. 

Roselea are now at home to Oakley Utd on Saturday 24^th January with a 1.45pm KO. Oakley moved up to 5^th place with their 2-1 win over Dalkeith and Roselea will be looking to avenge their 2-0 reversal in August.  

DUNDEE VIOLET V MONTROSE ROSELEA

MCBOOKIE.COM EAST PREMIER LEAGUE

SAT JAN 10^TH 2015  

Roselea travelled to Glenesk Park to face Dundee Violet in a match which would see them reach the half way stage in the Premier League. The last time the sides met their Simon Murray the recent signing for Dundee Utd was red carded in frustration after failing to make an impact in a match that finished 2-2. The sides had also met in a GA Cup tie in November with Violet winning on penalties after a 3-3 draw. Roselea were in a rich vein of form having won their previous six league matches and started the year with a friendly win over Kirrie Thistle. Violet had lost two of their last 3 games with the final game of 2014 being lost 4-1 to St Andrews Utd on the 20^th December. A point separated the sides with Roselea sitting on 22 points after 14 games compared to Violet’s 21 points. 

Roselea travelled with a few absentees. Ross Mcleod was returning from holiday so Ronnie Massie deputised. Paul Taylor was out with flu and was joined by Kyle Findlater who was a late call off. Craig Taylor and Scott McDowell sat out through injury but Andy Tringham arrived home from Offshore to boost the bench along new signing ex Luthermuir player Stephen Greig. Despite a ferocious wind in Montrose, Glenesk Park was mild in comparison and conditions underfoot were firmer than expected. 

Roselea: Massie, Rae, R Taylor, Whyte, Reoch, Mitchell, Anderson, Collier, Cruickshank, Watson & Reid. Subs: Thomson, Smith, Tringham & Greig.

Roselea had the first go at the goal when Reid flicked on to Watson in 4 minutes and he managed to turn on the edge of the box and fire in a low shot that Thain held well. In 5 minutes there was a let off for Violet and a yellow card for Sime after he pulled down Reid who was breaking away. Luckily for the Violet defender there was cover which saved him a red card. 

A minute later Violet had their first sight of goal when Cox broke free on the left and only a brilliant covering tackle from Reoch prevented a goal. 

Roselea took the lead in the 8^th minute through Dale REID. A clever dummy from Watson on the half way line sent the striker clear and he rounded the keeper before slipping the ball into the empty net for his 16^th goal of the season. 

Cruickshank set off down the left in the 20^th minute and was fouled before passing to Reid who was also fouled on the touchline before continuing into the box and seemed to be tripped inside the area but kept upright making the referee’s decision easier. 

It was almost 2-0 in 21 minutes when only a great save from Thain as he blocked a Reid effort from a Cruickshank low cross as Roselea looked to press ahead. 

Violet equalised much against the run of play in 22 minutes. MCCONNACHIE broke clear and after Massie blocked the first shot with his feet the ball fell kindly to the striker and he slotted the ball between Rae and the post with a great finish. 

In 35 minutes a great passage of play involving Watson, Reid and Anderson saw the ball shifted wide to Mitchell and Watson could not get the right contact on the ball at the far post to guide it home. 

Violet had a couple of great chances to take the lead in the last 5 minutes of the half. First Urquhart found himself in on goal but shot early and lifted the ball over then a Reoch mistake allowed Payne sight of goals but Massie stood firm and saved with his feet and finally Rae had to make an excellent tackle at the front post as Roselea survived the home pressure. 

Half Time: Dundee Violet 1 Montrose Roselea 1

The opening period of the second half saw Roselea press Violet looking for a way in front with the home side rarely threatening.  

Violet went close when Anderson was penalised for a handball in the middle of the pitch and Wilson flicked the free kick on to the top of the bar. 

Roselea made the breakthrough in the 55^th minute with a simple goal when Calum WATSON headed home a Craig Anderson corner when he was unmarked 8 yards out.  

Roselea were give a massive advantage in the 60^th minute when O’Connor was shown a straight red card after an off the ball collision with Craig Anderson.  

In the 65 minute Roselea were forced to make a change when Mitchell took a heavy challenge and was replaced by Stephen Greig. Mudie was shown a yellow card for his tackle on Mitchell. 

A great ball from Cruickshank sent Anderson down the right hand side in 73 minutes and his cutback was met by Greig who just couldn’t get enough power to trouble Thain as the ball squirmed onto the line. 

It was all Roselea as they turned their extra man supremacy into chances and Cruickshank had a shot blocked after Reid had slid the ball inside the full back.  

A very heavy shower of snow threatened proceedings for a 5 minute spell but thankfully blew over with Roselea in a commanding position. 

In 78 minutes Greig picked up a strange booking after he appeared to be brought down for a penalty in the box and fell on the ball. The referee booked him for hand ball rather than a dive. 

In 82 minutes it was finally 3-1 to a dominant Roselea. Greig outstripped Sime and unselfishly cut the ball back to WATSON who dinked the ball over the diving keeper before making sure from close range. 

Roselea made a second change when Morgan Smith came on the hard working Collier in 85 minutes. 

There were two further chances for Roselea with Greig and Watson bringing out saves from Thain in the Violet goal. 

Just on time there was to be a goal for Violet when McConnachie got in behind the Roselea defence and lifted the ball over Massie and WILSON was on hand at the far post to prod home from close in. In stoppage time Violet won a free kick and Roselea had a scare when Wilson was allowed a free header which went straight to Massie who held firm. 

Full Time: Dundee Violet 2 Montrose Roselea 3

This was another well deserved win for Roselea and should have perhaps been slightly easier than the scoreline suggested. Despite a 10-15 minute spell at the end of the first half when Violet scored and should have taken a lead into half time the visitors dominated proceedings and should have been safe before the last minute scare. This was the teams seventh win in a row in the League and pushes them up to 4^th in the Premier League which is the clubs highest ever in the East Region. With several other matches off it means Roselea are now only 3 points behind the leaders in what is an extremely tight League with only 12 points between top and second bottom. 

On Saturday January 17^th Roselea travel to Gorebridge, Edinburgh to face Arniston Rangers who have picked up points since appointing a new Manager. Roselea will be running a bus which will leave the Golf Inn at 10.20 and supporters are welcome to travel free of charge.   

MONTROSE ROSELEA v KINOULL

EAST PREMIER LEAGUE

SAT 20^TH DECEMBER 2014 

Roselea entertained Kinnoull who after a bit of turmoil in the summer had to rebuild their squad with a lot of youngsters coming in to replace an experienced squad. As a result the Perth side have struggled all season and arrived with 2 draws from their 16 games. Roselea meanwhile were on a run of 5 straight wins however their was a felling that complacency might creep in.  Roselea had a couple of changes forced upon them with Kyle Findlater & Paul Taylor injured and Andrew Tringham unavailable. Steven Greig the ex Luthermuir player took a place on the bench as a Trialist. A very low sun faced Roselea as they kicked off on a wonderfull prepared surface. 

Roselea: Mcleod, Rae, Whyte, Reoch, R Taylor, Mitchell. Anderson, Collier, Cruickshank, Reid & Watson. Subs: Mitchell, Thomson, Smith, Findlater & Greig.

Roselea had a penalty claim in the first 3 minutes when Cruickshank was bundled down in the box. Rae was then wiped out with a late tackle which escaped a booking before Cruickshank whipped in a great free kick which keeper Hannan saved well. Rae was duly replaced by Findlater. 

In 20 mins an Anderson corner was headed just over by Watson. Roselea were well on top but the danger was that the visitors might sneak a goal and they almost did so in 25 minutes. Gill struck a great 25 yard shot which Mcloed had to smother at the second attempt.  

Roselea took the lead in 27 minutes when A Craig Anderson was headed onto the bar by Calum Watson and then James COLLIER headed home the rebound with a downward header. Dale Reid then hit fly with a 35 yard shot which didn’t move much but the visiting keeper was glad to see it go just over the bar. Taylor then had a low drive deflected and away to safety from a similar distance. 

Half Time: Montrose Roselea 1 Kinnoull 0

Kinnoull started the second half the better side and after a penalty claim and then a goalmouth scramble which resulted in a corner. When the corner came in Mark SMITH was left unmarked to head home from close range in 52 minutes. 

Roselea went back in front in 57 mins and it was down to a mistake by Kinnoull to create it. Anderson put the ball through to Reid who in turnn slipped the ball into the path of WATSON who slid a low ball home from 12 yards. 

It was 3-1 to the home side in 58 minutes when after a couple of scrambles inside the Kinnoull box REID smashed home with a  couple of Kinnoull defenders messing up their attempted clearances. 

Cruickshank should have made it 4 in 63 minues but elected to take a touch before smacking against the stantion. Roselea has more chances before the end but a comibination of some good saves from visiting keeper Hannan who was in great form and some poor finishing kept the score down. 

Full Time: Montrose Roselea 3 Kinnoull 1

 This was a well deserved but hard win for Roselea against a stubborn Kinnoull team who put up a good fight for the 90 minutes. Roselea had to grind out the result and 2 goals in 3 minutes settled the nerves. This makes it six wins out of six in the League and hoists Roselea up to 6^th  place after a bad start to the campaign. 

Roselea now have a Festive break which seems them idle until Jan 10^th when they travel to Dundee Violet at Glenesk Park.