Unstopable Alan
Wednesday, March 17, 2004
MIGHTY WHITE MARAUDERS 9
DARK DESTROYERS 11
And so, the run continues. If things continue like this Alan Gillies can truly be seen as Celtics only challenger to the SPL title this season. His undefeated run continues thanks mainly to an inspired performance from Iain Cochrane who scored eight goals to secure a sensational 11 - 9 victory for the Destroyers.
Once again, however, the match was highly controversial. Cochrane found himself extremely lucky not to be sent off after THREE deliberate handballs. Referee Willie Young was lenient in only booking the striker despite vehement protests from Mighty White players.
The match started slowly, with neither team able to take a grip. After 16 minutes Christian Graham slammed in a shot to give the Whites the lead. The Destroyers hit back, and had struck the post and bar before Cochrane scored their (deserved) equalizer.
Despite Graham striking again the Destroyers began to dominate. Tom Barker was running amok down the left wing and his telling crosses and supply into the middle resulted in Cochrane pulling the Whites level once more.
And so it continued. Blow for blow, punch for punch, with neither team able to take a decisive advantage. As the match entered injury time the score was 9 each - with Cochrane having scored all but one of his sides goals.
Then came the deciding moment - with the Whites pressing for a winner Michael Tamburrini's shot was charged down and Simon Pattullo ran through to give the Destroyers a crucial lead.
Despite late pressure from the Whites some superb defending, marshalled by Alan Gillies (who managed not to make any howlers this week!!), kept the Destroyers ahead. With the final kick of the ball, Tom Barker broke away to secure victory with a typically clinical finish.
Unfortunately the Destroyers players were left sweating over their future last night. Rumours persist that the Stripes are ready to take over the club - leaving doubts as to whether the playing staff will be required next week.
Man Of The Match - Iain Cochrane (just) for his incredible, record breaking, jammy eight goal haul.
Goal Of The Match - Martin Penmans thunderbolt after a chest down from Michael Tamburrini was probably pick of the bunch (and I'm not giving anything else to Iain)
Miss Of The Match - Michael Tamburrini coolly sidefooting past the post after being set up with an open goal.
Save Of The Match - Any time Neil Williamson touches the ball whilst in goals
Player ratings
Mighty White Marauders
Craig Heighton - 6
Forgot his kit but made it on time so gets an �average' rating.
Martin Penman - 8
Scored a couple of blinders and was the main danger man for the Whites.
Michael Tamburrini - 5
Never really got into the game and missed a sitter. But at least made it on time.
Neil Williamson - 7
Another professional outing, but needs to improve his magic number.
Christian Graham - 8
Scored a lot, hurt Alan a lot, so a good outing for him.
Dark Destroyers
Iain Cochrane - 9
Should have been sent off but wasn't and got 8 lucky goals.
Tom Barker - 7
Dominated early proceedings but fell out of the game until his late goal.
Luke Barker - 4
Didn't even show up on time so has to get a crap rating as a result.
Simon Pattullo - 7
Grabbed a couple of goals and played solidly.
Alan Gillies - 7
The unbeaten run continues, although he appeared to try and elbow Michael Tamburrini in an off the ball incident.