BATHGATE THISTLE v MONTROSE ROSELEA MCBOOKIE.COM EAST PREMIER LEAGUE SAT AUG 30TH 2014 Roselea travelled across the Forth Bridge for the first time this season as they headed to Creamery Park to face Bathgate Thistle. This was the scene of the hardest to take defeat in 2013 when Roselea led 2-1 with six minutes remaining only to lose two late goals. Roselea travelled without a host of players with Calum Watson, Aaron Thomson, Calum Rae, Andrew Tringham and James Collier all unavailable for a variety of reasons. This meant that youth would get a chance with Kyle Findlater and Morgan Smith joining the other summer recruit Ross Mitchell in the starting line up. Matt Keogh helped boost the squad number as a Trialist and took a place on the bench. Scott McDowell & Paul Taylor returned from injury with McDowell starting and Taylor on the bench. Creamery Park was looking in excellent condition and the weather was pleasurable. Roselea: Mcleod, Findlater, R Taylor, Reoch, Whyte, Mitchell, Anderson, Smith, McDowell, Cruickshank & Reid. Subs: P Taylor, Bailey, Keogh, Craig & Brand. Bathgate picked up two bookings in the early stages with firstly Gilbert booked for a late tackle on Cruickshank and then Brady was booked for a hand ball after he slipped and Dale Reid was going to break through. In 12 minutes a ball was played from Findlater into the path of Dale Reid and his touch guided the ball into the Bathgate keepers arms which was very unlucky. In 14 minutes Michael Cruickshank broke up the left hand side and his cross found Ross Mitchell in space arriving at the far side of the box and although he was right to take the shot on first time his shot soared over the bar. On the half hour mark there was a penalty claim for Roselea when Reid crossed from the left and with the referee being on the blind side of the defender he probably called it correct. Roselea were having the better of the chances and Cruickshank had a chance to shoot with his right but played the ball across to Mitchell who couldn’t get his shot away. There was a dangerous break from Bathgate in 40 minutes when Jack put in a great low cross which which Mcleod held well. In 41 minutes Roselea had a great moved which saw full-back Findlater almost open the scoring with a low left footed shot but on loan Motherwell keeper Long held well. Half Time: Montrose Roselea 0 Bathgate Thistle 0 Bathgate were awarded a free kick in 48 minutes when Smith fouled at the edge of the box. The free kick was hit into the Roselea wall and the ball broke to Dale Reid who had a fine solo run with his finish just off target from 25 yards. In 54 minutes Mcleod had a great save from Murphy then Cruickshank of Roselea ran the length of the park before picking out Anderson at the edge of the box and his volley went very close before dipping over the stanchion. Bathgate took the lead in 58 minutes very much against the run of play. A cross came in and MURPHY hit a low shot on the half volley that keeper Mcleod would not like to see again as it squirmed under his body. Roselea almost got back on level terms in 63 minutes when Dale Reid had a point blank header somehow saved by keeper Long when if it had been anywhere else in the goal it would have went in. When the ball broke to McDowell he hit a smacking shot which seemed to find the hands of the defender but the referee indicated it was in self protection and in the line of the body. In 70 minutes Easton of Bathgate gave away an indirect free kick when he slid in and passed back to the keeper. When the ball was played into the path of Paul WHYTE he made no mistake by blasting the ball into the corner of the net from 8 yards out. Roselea lost a sickening goal just two minutes later when a dangerous corner was headed by Ryan Taylor onto the back of the head of Kyle FINDLATER for an own goal. In 71 minutes Roselea made a change when Liam Bailey replaced Morgan Smith who had a great first game for the club. Roselea had a chance in 76 minutes when Paul Whyte chested a long throw in and got a great volley in with only a great save from Long preventing a goal. Roselea’s perseverance finally paid off in the 81st minute when Mitchell’s shot was handballed and Michael CRUICKSHANK converted the penalty sending Long the wrong way. Roselea had their tails up but wasted a great opportunity in 84 minutes when Reid broke away and in a similar position to the week before elected to cut inside the defender to get on to his favoured right foot but the defender got to the ball. Typically of Roselea’s Premier League season so far there was a vicious twist in the tail just as they looked like they would go on to win. A break on the right hand side saw Bathgate cross and WALES was under the ball and lashed a high shot into the net to break the travelling hearts. Full Time: Bathgate Thistle 3 Montrose Roselea 2 This was a typical hard to take result for Roselea in the early part of the season and a mirror of the score in 2013 with the same cruel finish for the boys in green. The balance of the team was perfect and some great performamces should be congratulated for the youngsters coming in, Kyle Findlater, Morgan Smith, Ross Mitchell and Liam Bailey who all make the future of Junior football in Montrose bright. As the hosts admitted they were worthy of a point and will accumulate points as the season progresses. It was a relieved Bathgate who cheered when the final whistle went and like the previous games they knew they had stole the points. Roselea take a break from League business on Sat Sept 6th when Dalkeith visit Broomfield Park for an East of Scotland 1st Round tie. Kick Off is 2.30pm

MONTROSE ROSELEA v ST ANDREWS UTD

MCBOOKIE.COM EAST PREMIER LEAGUE

SAT AUG 23^RD 2014

 

Roselea faced St Andrews Utd in their fourth Premier League match of the season and would be up against an unbeaten team sitting on 7 points. Roselea were looking for a win to bolster their position having had one draw in their opening 3 games.

 

Roselea were boosted by Andrew Tringham being available due to his delayed departure for work and James Collier & Scott McDowell who had been nursing injuries both made the bench.

 

Despite some risk of rain the match kicked off in bright sunshine although there was a cold breeze lurking when the cloud cover came.

 

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

 

Roselea broke from a long Cruickshank ball in 4 minutes and Watson nipped in to take the ball away from keeper Hayles however that took him wide before he forced a corner. The loppy corner was easily cleared by the St Andrews rearguard.

 

St Andrews Utd took the lead in the 9^th minute with a superbly taken goal. Andrew Tringham lost possession in midfield and the ball was played over the top catching the Roselea defence out and Robbie HOLDEN produced a wonderful volley from the corner of the 18 yard box and found the corner of the net.

 

Roselea then had a let off when Holden had a chance for a second in 16 minutes when the ball was cut back to him 8 yards out but he did not catch the ball so well this time and Mcleod saved easily.

 

Roselea had the next chance in the 20^th minute. A long Anderson was flicked on by Watson who was having great success in the air and Reid’s first time left footed half volley went just over. Calum Watson went close himself 3 minutes later when he just failed to head a Mitchell cross goalwards.

 

In 27 minutes Paul Whyte was then just off target when he headed a Cruickshank header wide.

 

Roselea had another corner but the real danger came when Holden picked up the loose ball and ran 70 yards before trying to find Buchan but a brilliant tackle from Tringham cured the problem.

 

In 33 minutes McLeod had to two handed punch a vicious Buchan effort away with the ball moving around.

 

Roselea then had three chances to square things. Watson crossed but the ball was agonisingly just over the arriving Cruickshank then Watson himself spun on the edge of the box before firing in a 25 yarder that Hayles had to save at the second attempt. In 38 minutes Whyte had a header just go off target but when the ball fell to Reid his shot was expertly blocked by the St Andrews defence.

 

In 41 minutes Dale Reid had the best chance of the half for Roselea. Watson who was having great success in the air flicked on a Taylor ball sending Reid clear on the left but instead of driving directly into the box he tried to cut across the arriving defender and the chance was gone.

 

Half Time: Montrose Roselea 0 St Andrews Utd 1

 

There had been a number of contentious decisions in the first half and Roselea got a real break when Sibanda and Holden combined with the former being given offside when it looked like he had timed his run well.

 

Roselea made a switch with James Collier coming on for Dale Reid.

 

In 60 minutes Roselea had another glorious chance to get back into the game. Watson picked up the ball 35 yards out and played a perfectly weighted ball in behind the full back setting Cruickshank up but he was thwarted by a great save from Hayles.

 

In 65 minutes Watson fairly challenged the keeper and when the ball broke to Collier on a great saving tackle from McGuire prevent a goal.

 

St Andrews were pegged back and their only threat came from a long range Patrick effort from 30 yards which rose over the bar in 75 minutes.

 

Roselea made another change with Findlater coming on for Cruickshank.

 

Roselea kept pressing and ended up having no luck as only two headed clearances off the line and a great save from the keeper all in stoppage time handed St Andrews the points. Collier had a header from a corner headed off the line with the Roselea players claiming the ball had crossed. Paul Whyte out jumped the keeper next and again he saw the ball cleared off the line. In the dying seconds James Collier sent a low curling shot which looked to be going in but somehow Hayles got the littlest of touches to send the ball behind for a corner. As in the previous week lady luck deserted Roselea again.

 

Full Time: Montrose Roselea 0 St Andrews Utd 1

 

This was another cruel defeat for Roselea who just did not seem to get the rub of the green their determined performance merited. In saying that it was a top class finish that won the points for St Andrews from Holden. There were a number of great performances from the men in green and the grandstand finish served up some excitement for the fans.

 

Alan Robb of Premier Stores, Northesk Road presented Ryan Taylor of Roselea with his Man of the Match award as Match Sponsor for the day.

 

Roselea now head to Bathgate who are sitting one point ahead of Roselea and have also had an indifferent start to the season. Roselea slipped down to second bottom and a win would be a big help. The Roselea bus will leave the Golf Inn at 11.15am and Supporters are welcome to travel.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OAKLEY UTD V MONTROSE ROSELEA

MCBOOKIE.COM EAST PREMIER LEAGUE

SAT AUGUST 16^TH 2014

 

Roselea travelled to Fife for their third Premier League match of the season to meet Oakley Utd who won both meetings between the sides last season. Hopes were high after the 2-2 draw with Broughty Athletic the previous week and the home side having lost both their opening fixtures. They did however travel without James Collier and Scott McDowell through injury but on the plus side Calum Watson returned from his two match suspension carried over from the 2013-14 Season.

 

Blairwood Park surface was in much better condition that the last visit in April however a Broomfield like wind was blowing right down the pitch.

 

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

 

Roselea kicked off with the winds at their back but as per usual it would prove difficult to use that to their advantage with the ball likely to run away from the attackers. It was Roselea who tested the Oakley keeper when Watson struck a well hit low shot but Manderson saved well at the base of the post in 8 minutes.

 

After a couple of dangerous Oakley crosses tested Ross Mcleod it was Roselea who again went close. First Cruickshank almost picked out Watson before the ball was turned behind for a corner which Cruickshank took and sent in a great ball which eventually fell to Reid and he again tested Manderson with a shot from a narrow angle.

 

Oakley took the lead in 15 minutes with a well taken goal. Rae & Mitchell were not sure who was picking up and when the ball fell to GOLLAN 30 yards out he had only one thing on his mind and sent a great curling shot beyond Mcleod into the corner of the net.

 

In 20 minutes Watson again shot from 25 yards but it was at a good height for the keeper and he saved well again.

 

Roselea were not looking comfortable at the back with strikers Watt and McDonough not giving them time to settle on the ball.

 

In 32 minutes a great ball from Reid set Mitchell away down the right flank however his cross was too near to the keeper with Watson in a great position inside the 6 yard box.

 

Roselea were creating more chances but the vital spark was missing and with home keeper Manderson in no mood to conceded it was turning into a difficult afternoon for the visitors.

 

Just before half time Roselea had two great chances to level. Anderson took a long throw in which Whyte flicked on to Watson who had his back to goal and he flicked the ball goalwards with Manderson then pulling off a wonder save to thwart Roselea again. Then right on half time Cruickshank had a great opportunity when another Whyte flick on saw him free at the back post and his right footed shot went wide from very close in and a header might have produced a better outcome.

 

Half Time: Oakley Utd 1 Montrose Roselea 0

 

Mcleod had to make a good save from Coulter after good work by Watt in 53 minutes.

 

In 58 minutes Roselea fell further behind with a disappointing goal from a defensive point of view. A corner went right to the back post and Gollan headed back across the goalmouth unchallenged to the unmarked McDONOUGH who headed home from a yard out.

 

The game was almost over a couple of minutes later when the ball hit the post. Roselea thought they had cleared but Reoch’s clearance rebounded to Watt whose shot was deflected and spun against the post before Mcleod cleared.

 

The afternoon was becoming more and more frustrating for Roselea and thoughts turned to the fact that it wasn’t going to be their day. Watson was given offside when he looked like he had timed his run perfectly then Dale Reid connected with a Cruickshank corner from point blank range but the ball somehow went wide.

 

In 69 minutes Watt of Oakley had a great effort from the touchline which Mcleod had to tip over to safety.

 

In 71 minutes Reid frustrated again when he broke free but elected to shoot early from the edge of the box and his left footed strike was easily held by Manderson.

 

In 75 minutes Morgan Smith made his Roselea debut when he replaced Ross Mitchell. He almost had an instant impact when he put a Watson lay back just wide of the post.

 

Findlater then replaced Cruickshank in 85 minutes.

 

The day just seemed to be going from bad to worse for Roselea when Reid did eventually get the ball in the net but the referee was correct to penalise Watson for a barge in the run up to the goal. The referee further frustrated when he pulled back an advantage to award a free kick when Reid had again broken free. His final whistle was blown and was a welcome relief to the visitors who could have played all day and not scored.

 

Final Score: Oakley Utd 2 Montrose Roselea 0

 

This was a great opportunity for Roselea to take some points off of a team who look nothing like the Oakley teams of years gone by. Despite having the better of the play and chances a combination of poor finishing, good goalkeeping and bad marking made the difference between the sides. This was another tough lesson of Premier League football and shows that you can have no margin for errors at this level. The loss drops Roselea down to the bottom 3 with only Kinnoull who have lost their 3 games in a worse position.

 

Unbeaten St Andrews Utd are next up for Roselea at home on Sat August 23^rd with a 2.30pm KO.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MONTROSE ROSELEA v BROUGHTY ATHLETIC

MCBOOKIE.COM EAST PREMIER LEAGUE

SAT AUGUST 9^TH 2014

 

Roselea took on Broughty Athletic in their second League match of the season and desperately looking for an improved performance than the 4-1 midweek defeat at Forfar West End. After a slow start to the previous campaign they were also desperate to get off to a better start than the 2013-14 season which produced no points from the first 5 games.

Calum Watson was serving the second of his two match suspension and Scott McDowell sat out through injury meaning 16 year old Ross Mitchell made his home debut. Roselea changed their formation with James Collier leading the line with Dale Reid playing just off him.

Broughty had opened with a 1-1 draw but a lot is expected of their squad crammed full of ex Senior players with Lee Sibanda and Keith Gibson the latest additions to their squad.

 

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

 

Broughty conceded a few early free kicks as they failed to find the pace of the game and Roselea had the first shot on goal in 4 minutes when Reid hit a decent volley from 25 yards and Ross held at the second attempt.

 

Roselea were looking the livelier side in the early stages of the game and Reid’s momentum took him away on the right but his shot was deflected behind for a corner in 14 minutes.

 

Roselea deservedly took the lead in 16 minutes when a corner was cleared to the edge of the box and Andy TRINGHAM hit a great low shot in off the post from 20 yards to put the home side in front.

 

Broughty almost replied straight away when Winter had a chance at the edge of the box but his low shot was caught in the grass and off target anyway. Pererra then tried to turn Whyte in the box but he stood firm and blocked the ball behind for a corner. The first corner came in and Mcleod was caught out with the ball just being turned behind for a second corner. Once the again the corner deceived Mcleod and DIGNAN was well placed at the far post to equalise for the visitors in the 18^th minute.

 

There was a moment of controversy in 23 minutes when Reid flicked the ball on to Collier and he broke away from Heggie before being hauled down. The referee booked the Broughty player for his tackle but it looked as if Collier would have been in on goal.

 

Roselea had a chance to move back into the lead in 41 minutes when Tringham flicked on an Anderson throw into the path of Reid who hit a smacking volley from the edge of the box and only a great tip over from Ross kept the score level.

Roselea moved back into the lead with a deserved goal in 44 minutes. Collier broke away down the left hand side and squared the ball across the six yard box and Ross MITCHELL made a great run and slid home from close range for the second debutant goal of the day.

 

Half Time: Montrose Roselea 2 Broughty Athletic 1

 

Roselea opened the second half where they left off and Reid was again in the thick of the action after turning him man in the box he laid the ball back to Rae whose shot was deflected for a corner in 48 minutes.

 

A minute later Reid went even closer himself when his pace took him down the line and from a tight angle he shot across Ross only to see the ball hit the inside of the post before coming back to Ross Mitchell who could not direct the rebound on target.

 

In 55 minutes Winter of Broughty was shown a straight red card for a tackle on Dale Reid. Although he threw himself into the tackle from distance it seemed to be a genuine effort to get the ball and not a lunge at the player.

 

Roselea got another break a minute later when Dignan broke away and appeared to be onside before shooting low into the net but was given offside. It might have been a different outcome from Mcleod had the whistle not blown however.

 

In 59 minutes Kyle Findlater made his home debut when he replaced Calum Rae who was carrying a hamstring injury.

 

Roselea made a second change in 70 minutes with Aaron Thomson replacing Andrew Tringham who had also picked up an early injury in the match.

 

Roselea started to struggle against the ten men who seemed to up their game. Sub Lee Sibanda troubled Mcleod who spilled the save into the path of Dignan but made amends with a great brave block. In 80 minutes Marc Oleary had a great drive tipped over after he hit a great shot from 25 yards as Broughty piled on the pressure.

 

Aaron Thomson had a great header off the line as Roselea tried to hang on for a memorable victory however it was from the resulting corner that Broughty equalised from in 85 minutes. The corner beat Mcleod and danger man SIBANDA headed home at the far post.

 

Roselea did press for a third in the remaining minutes and Reid had one great chance to score when the ball fell to him on the penalty spot but he shot early with his left foot with the ball at an awkward height when he perhaps had time to settle and take a touch.

 

Full Time: Montrose Roselea 2 Broughty Athletic 2

 

As far as performances go this was chalk and cheese compared to the Wednesday display at Forfar West End with a much improved shape to the team. James Collier and Dale Reid linked well up front and the whole team looked more solid and tight. There were two excellent debuts from Andy Tringham and Ross Mitchell. Roselea will perhaps look at this as two points dropped but realistically at the start of the day a draw would have been seen to be a bonus.

With Calum Watson returning from suspension it will give the Management team more choice for the trip to Oakley Utd on Sat August 16^th KO 2.30pm.

 

 

 

Roselea presented the World Cup Sweepy winner Graham Machir his cheque for £1,000 prior to Saturdays friendly v Dyce Juniors. Pictures from Left to Right Ryan Taylor (£10 for highest placed Roselea entry, Mike Murray (Sweepy organiser), Win...ner Graham Machir, Keira Gill (£20 Booby Prize) and Bryce Whyte- Roselea President. Missing from the picture is Glenn Andrew who won a bottle of Cameron Brig Whisky for having the best score from the group stages. The Sweepy ran over the World Cup with the outright winner predicting the most correct results. Roselea would like to thank Mike Murray for running the competition on their behalf and also donating the additional prizes. As we do not have contact details for Glenn Andrew apart from C/O Seafield Club if anyone knows him can you ask him to contact us to arrange collection of his prize.