Montrose Roselea

BLAIRGOWRIE vs MONTROSE ROSELEA- TAYSIDE PREMIER LEAGUE DAVIE PARK, BLAIRGOWRIE 02/10/2004 Montrose Roselea travelled to Davie Park Blairgowrie for their first League fixture of the season. The missing list of previous weeks was beginning to dwindle and the squad was starting to resemble that of the previous season with Colin Page, James McKellar, Paul Masson, Paul Whyte and Scott Findlater being available for selection. On the downside Eric Watson and Graham Walger were ruled out by injury and may be for some time and Dean Milne was on holiday. Blairgowrie’s pitch was in good condition although the grass was a touch long and a slight crosswind and threat of some rain threatened to make conditions testing, not for the first time this season. The management team had managed to watch Blairgowrie earlier this season and a tough match was predicted. Paul Masson, who was selected in the starting line up broke down with a recurrence of an Achilles problem and was replaced by Kevin Crawford Roselea lined up in a 4-4-2 formation: : Ross Mcleod, Matt Miller, Paul Whyte Paul Ross, Chris Masson, James McKellar, Kevin Crawford, David Craig and Scott Findlater, Colin Page and a trialist, who was playing his third match were upfront. The bench consisted of Martin Christie, Lee Walker, Luke Myers and John Wands. Blairgowrie with the wind at their backs started strongly and forced a number of corners which Roselea defended well. Brash found himself in the referee’s book in 13 minutes for a rash tackle on Findlater. In 22 minutes Roselea made their first real attack with a James McKellar cross being narrowly missed by the Trialist striker. Craig then had a shot from the edge of the box but never really threatened the goal. Blairgowrie then threatened on a couple of occasions. A long range shot was deflected off Paul Ross for a corner. Barry Mclean of Blair then had the best effort of the half go narrowly wide. He cut in from the left and sent a flashing drive inches wide of Mcleods right hand post. As the first half closed David Craig almost found himself in trouble for tackling the referee. The whistler found himself upended and managed to continue despite having injured himself in the process Half-time 0-0 Roselea started the second half in a more aggressive mood and looked to have taken the lead when a Colin Page free kick was headed back across goal to Paul Whyte and the full back appeared to have done everything right but his shot on the turn went narrowly wide. Colin Page then went close when he had a 30 yard effort held by the keeper, who was having an outstanding game. In 53 minutes McKellar then tested the keeper from 20 yards but again the Blairgowrie shot-stopper was equal to the task. In 66 minutes a mix up almost presented Roselea with the opening goal but the break of the ball was not kind and the danger was cleared. Paul Ross was having an excellent match and he rescued the Lea with a last gasp tackle to prevent a goal. Roselea were having the upper hand in the pressure stakes but it was a sucker punch goal that was going to cost them the match in 72 minutes. Roselea actually had a corner, which the keeper fumbled and eventually managed to gather. His quick throw out caught Roselea on the hop and a 3 on 2 situation developed. Blairgowrie substitute Neave found the net although it is doubtful if his strike was meant to be on target. Blairgowrie had a couple of further chances with Roselea pressing to get something out of the match. Only a couple of brilliant saves from Mcleod saved the scoreline flattering Blairgowrie. Roselea almost snatched a share of the points with 2 minutes remaining when a Colin Page cross was intercepted by a defender with trialist ready to poke the ball home at the far post. Final Blairgowrie 1 Roselea 0 Overall it was a disappointing result in a match that was a great advert for Junior football. The Roselea players can hold their heads high as they did not deserve to lose this match although no-one could grudge Blairgowrie the victory. It was particularly pleasing to see the defence tighten up with Paul Ross & Chris Masson having outstanding games. If there was a plus to be had it would have to be the fact that other teams will not relish visiting Blairgowrie and points will be hard to come by at Davie Park for visiting teams. Other Premier scores: Kinnoull 2 Broughty Ath 2 Forfar WE 3 Lochee Harp 2 This week Roselea get back to DJ Laing League Cup action with a home match against Coupar Angus. Roselea are still smarting from the disappointing 4-3 defeat away from home and with the squad getting closer to full strength it should be a chance to avenge the defeat. Kick Off is 2.30 pm Roselea have been drawn away to Oakley Utd (East Super League) on November 20th in the Redwood Leisure Cup, which is contested by Tayside & Fife regions.