Montrose Roselea

Montrose Roselea v Bathgate Thistle

McBookie.com East Premier League

Sat August 22nd 2015 

Roselea picked up what appeared to be an unlikely point at one stage after battling from a goal and a man down.

Roselea welcomed back Collier, Tringham, Watson and Thomson into the starting line up in what was a more experienced outfit compared to the midweek defeat against Lochee Utd.

Bathgate had the first chance of the match in the 5th minute when Harris found Jack, but the strikers toe-poked effort was well saved by McLeod.

The away team were happy to go long from the back and it was with this they scored their only goal of the match after 11 minutes on the clock. A long ball found Jaconelli. The striker was tumbled to the ground by a Roselea defender and the referee pointed to the spot. JACONELLI brushed himself down to take the spot kick himself and casual slotted the ball home as McLeod dived the opposite way.

Jaconelli and Jack were linking up well for the away team and the former found the latter who's effort from 15 yards out was comfortably saved by McLeod.

Roselea had their first real chance after 33 minutes. Anderson delivered a dangerous ball from a free kick into the area but Collier was just unable to get anything on it as the ball bounced into the greatful McQuillan's hands.

Bathgate were pushing to extend their lead and were left kicking themselves when Nicoll was unable to head goalwords from a corner.

With 5 minutes left before half time Roselea were very unfortunate not to equalise. Cruickshank floated in a great corner and the ball eventually landed to Tringham following a bit of pinball football. The winger laid it off to Watson but his goal bound effort was blocked bravely by away defender Brady on the line.

Just on the stroke of half time Watson found strike partner Collier but his header was easily saved by the Bathgate shotstopper.

Half Time- Montrose Roselea 0 Bathgate Thistle 1

Roselea were fortunate to not find themselves two down in the first minute of the second half as Jack had a first time effort come crashing back off the crossbar.

Roselea had a great opportunity after an hour. Watson pulled wide to collect the ball then sent in a deep cross to Collier but his header was wide of the target.

Roselea were then dealt a cruel blow as they were reduced to ten men after 62 minutes. Jaconelli beat the offside trap and as he bared down on goal, Thomson brought him down to prevent a great opportunity to score as he gave the referee no choice but to flash the red card. Jaconelli took the free kick but McLeod was on hand to save the strike.

Campbell and Greig replaced Cruickshank and Taylor with 18 minutes to go as Collier was brought back into defence following the red card. 

Roselea equalised after 73 minutes when a Findlater cross was bravely met by WATSON who headed home into the empty net as keeper McQuillan knocked into him. 

This gave the home team a huge lift and were arguably the better team in the closing stages despite being a man down. Watson was unlucky not to get his second when he beat the offside trap well but was thwarted by a covering defender just as he looked to strike on goal.

Watson was visibly shattered but was still causing all sorts of problems for the Bathgate defence as he chased down a ball and chipped the keeper but his effort landed just wide of the post.

Roselea made a final change with M.Smith replacing the injured McDowell.

Bathgate did have one more chance in the last minute but Jaconelli's low shot was well kept out by McLeod in the sticks.

Full Time Montrose Roselea 1 Bathgate Thistle 1 

Truth be told this was not Roselea's finest performance although there were some stand out performers. Credit must go to the players though for showing a terrific attitude in the second half in the face of adversity to secure a point. 

Montrose Roselea- 1.McLeod 2.Findlater 3.Taylor 4.White 5.Thomson 6.Anderson 7.Tringham 8.McDowell 9.Watson 10.Collier 11.Cruickshank 12.Bailey 14.Campbell 15.Great 16.S.Smith 17.M.Smith

Roselea's next fixture comes on Tuesday night at Broomfield Park Against Montrose F.C at 7:15pm.

The fixture is Ross McLeod's testimonial match to mark his eleventh season with the club. The popular keeper has very kindly agreed to let the club make a tribute at the match to former player Stephen Give who tragically passed away following a short battle with cancer. There will be a collection on the night for Cancer Research in what is hoped will have people digging deep for such a great cause. 

Admission will be 4 pounds for Adults and 2 pounds for Concessions.