retired_sroch3032

1st of September 2003

The first day of the new month and awards are presented to players in the Scottish Division 3.

Cowdenbeath’s playmaker, Iain Mauchlen, was named Scottish Third Division Player of the Month after a number of vintage performances in the last few games.

The Scottish Young Player of the Month was given to Albion Rover’s, Graeme McCaul because of his impressive two goals in his last four league games.

The Scottish Division Three Manager of the Month went to the Peterhead boss, Ian Wilson, after he led his team to four victories in their four matches this month.

2nd of September 2003

The first round of the League Cup was scheduled to be played today. Our first round match is away to St Johnstone of Division One.

September 2nd, 2003 Scottish League Cup 1st Round (a)
St Johnstone V East Stirling

East Stirling (4-4-2) Michael Hankinson- Roddy Maughan (c), Graeme McLaren, James White, Craig Reid-Ross Jackson, Gordon Lappin, Sean McAuley, Dougie Polwart- Paul Rodden, Gerry Boyle
Subs: Chris Todd (gk), Michael Stewart, Jordan Leishman, Jamie Mackay, Stuart Kelly

I gave a few first team players a rest for this match and giving a debut to my new keeper Michael Hankinson.

St Johnstone attacks from the off but fail to make any dents in our defence until the seventeenth minute when a stooping MacDonald heads his team into a one nil lead. Four minutes later the lead is doubled when Parker beats the offside trap and lobs the advancing Hankinson.

A clever move in the second half creates St Johnstone’s third and sealing goal. A clever cross from the right side of midfield gives MacDonald his second goal and second header of the game. MacDonald completes his hat trick and we are four nil down with half an hour to play. MacDonald is denied his fourth goal of the match by Hankinson after a long ball found its way in between the defence and the keeper. That was how the score stayed because of some great goalkeeping by Hankinson. We could have finished the game ten nil down and this shows the gulf of talent between a division one and division three side on the day.

St Johnstone 4:0 East Stirling
St Johnstone Goals: Peter MacDonald (3), Keigan Parker (1)
East Stirling Goals: -
MoM: Peter MacDonald (St Johnstone)
Subs: Stewart on for Boyle (66’), Kelly on for Rodden (66’), Mackay on for Jackson (66’)
Booked: Polwart, Maughan, Robertson (St Johnstone)
Sent Off: -
Stadium: McDiarmid Park
Attendance: 1879

Other news on division three teams saw our rivals Stirling get hammered four nil away to Brechin of Division One. The only teams from Division Three to progress to the second round were Cowdenbeath, Montrose, Gretna, Albion Rovers and Stranraer. Most of these teams had a chance to progress as they played other Division Three teams.

After the match we were giving £10,000 which I think is half the attendance monies.

6th of September 2003

The European Championship Qualifying matches continued today.

In Group 1 France played dazzling football and overcame a under par Cyprus side 5-0. The other match in the group saw Slovenia just edge out Israel 2-1.

Group 2 had one of the most one sided results in the qualifying process so far. Romania completely destroyed Luxembourg 10-0 while Bosnia and Norway played out a 1-1 draw.

Group 3 saw the two favourites to take the automatic promotion spot win against lesser opposition. Czech Republic defeated Belarus on the road 2-1 while Holland romped home with two late goals from Van der Vaart and Roy Makaay to seal a 5-0 victory over Austria.

Group 4 saw two matches which had six goals shared between them. Poland (the country I am following as I am Polish IRL) drew 2-2 on the road against Latvia while Sweden showed the gulf in class between themselves and San Marino by winning 4-0.

Group 5 had the World Cup 2002 Runner Up in Germany. Germany didn’t play well against Iceland drawing 2:2 away while Scotland showed Faroe Islands how to play football in their 3-0 victory at Hampden Park.

Group 6 wasn’t the most exciting group of the tournament but still some flowing attacking football was on display. Armenia lost 2-0 at home to a Greek side full of confidence and on top of the group. Ukraine and Northern Island played out a 1-1 in front of 77,601 screaming fans.

Group 7 saw both the visiting teams take all three points. England easily disposed of Macedonia 3-0 while Turkey outclassed Liechtenstein by the same score line.

Group 8 housed one of the shocks of the tournament as far as I am concerned. Croatia travelled to play Andorra and were sent home with nothing to show for the match as Andorra stole a late winner. Estonia travelled to Bulgaria and was sent packing by a 5-0 score line.

Group 9 housed no surprises in the winners of the two matches though they were closer than most pundits predicted. Finland beat Azerbaijan 2-0 on the road while Italy just managed to defeat Wales 1-0 at the San Siro in front of 63450 fans.

Group 10 had two exciting soccer playing countries facing up to each other in the shape of Russia and Ireland. Ireland at home was a dominant force and saw off Russia 4-0 while Georgia at home was just too strong for Albania defeating the Albanians 2:1.

More to come

retired_embartl

Very enjoyable read this keep it up

Division 3 is so unpredictable in that sides can go from top 3 one season to bottom of the table the next - so good luck.

retired_sroch3032

Thanks Brian

Yes a few wins in a row can put you up into the top 3 even if you were dead last before those wins. So hopefully we can win a few games and get a mid table finish.

retired_sroch3032

10th of September 2003

Another round of the European Championship Qualifying rounds was played today.

In Group 1 Israel and Malta played out a 1-1 in Israel while France travelled to Slovenia and edged out their hosts in a close match ending 2-1. With one round remaining France has won automatic qualification to the European Championship’s while Slovenia has earned the right to go into the play offs.

In Group 2 Denmark edged out Romania 2-1 in a close match to earn automatic qualification. Bosnia made sure they still had a small chance of securing the play off spot by inflicting Luxembourg’s seventh consecutive loss of the tournament with a 2-1 score line.

In Group 3 this round was one sided in both matches played. Holland has almost won automatic qualification with its 3-0 hammering of Czech Republic on the road. While Belarus and Moldova were fighting for the right not to be bottom of the group and it seems Belarus may have won that right with the 4-0 hammering of Moldova. Still one round left and 2 important matches to be played to for countries to clinch automatic the qualifier and play off position.

In Group 4 Latvia and Hungry played a tense match with Latvia edged out the Hungarians with a solitary goal. Poland hosted Sweden and the two teams played out a 1-1 draw. Leading into the last round Sweden is already certain of at least the play off position.

In Group 5 Faroe Islands were humiliated by a Lithuanian side low on confidence and with nothing to play for going into the last round. Germany secured its automatic qualifying spot with a 1-0 win over Scotland and leaving the Scots with it all to do to take the play off spot.

In Group 6 Greece’s advantage over Spain was reduced to 3 points after the Spanish team drew 3:3 with Ukraine. While in Northern Ireland Armenia kept Northern Ireland from winning a game at home this tournament with a 3:2 away win. Greece heads this group with Spain three points behind with both assured of a play off spot and one round to go.

In Group 7 England steam rolled Liechtenstein 7-0 to top the group by 1 point. Slovakia and Macedonia drew 1:1 in Slovakia in a dead rubber with neither country having anything to play for except pride. Going into the last round England and Turkey’s match will determine who wins the group and who will have to go into the play offs in the hope of reaching the European Championships.

In Group 8 Bulgaria sealed top spot and qualification by defeating a Andorra side 3-0 on the road. Belgium played a strong game at home and defeated the Croatians 2-0 to hold a three point advantage over Croatia in the race for the play off spot with one round to go.

In Group 9 Italy continued to exert their dominance on the group with a 2-0 away win against Serbia and Montenegro. Wales and Finland played out a four goal draw with both sides scoring two a piece. Italy and Wales have both been assured of at least a play off spot with the last round determining who wins the group.

In Group 10 draws were the order the day. Albania and Georgia played out an evenly contested 1:1 draw with both goals being scored in two minutes of each other. Russia and Switzerland also drew their match but it ended 2:2. With one round remaining Switzerland and Ireland are deadlocked on 13 points each but Switzerland topping the group on goal difference.

Coming up Stranraer V East Stirling

retired_brinker317

Nice start this :thup:

retired_sroch3032

Thanks D_s i hope i can reach near your standard of writing and story telling

13th of September 2003

After the 11 day break it’s back to league action and we are off to play Stranraer.

September 13th, 2003 Scottish Division Three Match 5 (a)
Stranraer V East Stirling

Stranraer League Form: LDDL Position: 10th
East Stirling League Form: WLLDPosition: 7th

East Stirling (4-4-2) Jon Connolly (c)- Roddy Maughan, Graeme McLaren, James White, Michael Stewart-Ross Jackson, Gordon Lappin, Sean McAuley, Jamie Mackay- Paul Rodden, Gerry Boyle
Subs: Chris Todd (gk), Craig Reid, Jordan Leishman, Dougie Polwart, Stuart Kelly

Finally we were off to a dream start. Lappin picked the ball up in the midfield and put the ball up the pitch where Boyle put into a cross onto the head of Rodden. One nil after five minutes. On the fourteenth minute Rodden almost got his second of the game with a fine run through the centre of the Stranraer defence but Mathers fisted the ball away. Immediately down the other end Connolly pushed the ball over the bar from a 25-yard rocket of a shot. Finally Stranraer pressure resulted in a goal. A cross found Kane unmarked and after he rounded Connolly the goal was gaping and he didn’t miss. We held onto half time keeping the score at 1-1.

Before the second half kicked off I substituted Gerry Boyle for a defender Craig Reid so our formation was no 5-4-1. I was hoping to catch Stranraer on the counter attack. We kept ourselves on level terms through the excellent keeping of Connolly and the sloppy shooting by the Stranraer forwards. We broke through the Stranraer rear guard in the eightieth minute only to be denied by substitute keeper Tardif at the expense of a corner. Stranraer finally broke our stubborn resistance in the last minute of regulation time when Lurinsky beat White and drilled the ball past Connolly into the net.

Stranraer 2:1 East Stirling
Stranraer Goals: Kane (1), Lurinsky (1)
East Stirling Goals: Rodden (1)
MoM: Paul Rodden (East Stirling)
Subs: Reid on for Boyle (45’), Leishman on for McAuley (63’)
Booked: McLaren, Leishman
Sent Off: -
Stadium: Stair Park
Attendance: 1620

I am really happy with the way the team played today though we didn’t get the win it was a gutsy performance by the players. If they can keep this up when we play away we are sure to take some points from those matches.

17th of September 2003

The Scottish League Challenge Cup semi finals were played. Simon Mensing scored in the 78th minute to send Clyde through to the final while Brechin crash out. In the other semi final Montrose edged out Gretna in a close 1-0 win with Kristopher Brash scoring the only goal of the game in the 76th minute.

19th of September 2003

My only scout, Andrew Milne, came to me today with news of a promising young striker who was available on loan. His name is Kevin Ramsey and he is a product of the of the Celtic youth system. I thank Andrew for his suggestion and I will make Kevin my top priority when the transfer deadline ends.

The derby is next against our old rivals Stirling! Come on East Stirling

retired_sroch3032

20th of September 2003

The first derby of the season brings us against our old rivals Stirling at home.

September 20th, 2003 Scottish Division Three Match 6 (h)
East Stirling V Stirling

East Stirling League Form: LWLLD Position: 9th
Stirling League Form: WLDLW Position: 5th

East Stirling (4-4-2) Jon Connolly (c)- Roddy Maughan ,Graeme McLaren, James White, Craig Reid-Ross Jackson, Gordon Lappin, Sean McAuley, Jamie Mackay- Paul Rodden, Derek Ure
Subs: Chris Todd (gk), Michael Stewart, Jordan Leishman, Dougie Polwart, Stuart Kelly

The fans pack the stadium and are all waiting for the kick off of the match between two old rivals.

After five minutes the ball was in the back of the net. McLean put Stirling ahead with a text book header or so he thought he did until the linesman put up his flag. Elliot retrieved the ball from a goal mouth scramble and knocked the ball in to give Stirling a 1-0 lead. A header down by O`Brien gave Elliot all the time he needed to smash the ball past Connolly for the second time this match.

O`Brien made another goal for Elliot. O`Brien ran down the wing and with a pinpoint cross allowed Elliot to get in away from his defender and volley the ball past Connolly to complete his hat trick. The score ends 3-0 in the visitors favour.

East Stirling 0:3 Stirling
East Stirling Goals: -
Stirling Goals: Elliot (3)
MoM: Barry Elliot (Stirling) Rating- 10
Subs: Stewart on for Reid (63’), Kelly on for Ure (63’), Leishman on for Mackay (63’)
Booked: Maughan, Rodden, Ure
Sent Off: -
Stadium: Firs Park
Attendance: 1410

I knew this job wouldn’t be easy but today I just can’t defend my players. They played without any passion and just didn’t look like they wanted the ball. I will need to have a long talk with the team and see where we are going wrong because this cant go on the whole season under my tenure.

27th of September 2003

Our last home game until the 1st of November pits us against a Albion Rovers side full of confidence and just two points behind the top two.

September 20th, 2003 Scottish Division Three Match 7 (h)
East Stirling V Albion Rovers

East Stirling League Form: LLWLL Position: 9th
Albion Rovers League Form: WWWDD Position: 3rd

East Stirling (4-4-2) Jon Connolly (c)- Roddy Maughan ,Graeme McLaren, James White, Craig Reid-Ross Jackson, Gordon Lappin, Sean McAuley, Jamie Mackay- Paul Rodden, Derek Ure
Subs: Chris Todd (gk), Michael Stewart, Jordan Leishman, Dougie Polwart, Stuart Kelly

I have kept an unchanged line-up for this match and am just trying to let all the players settle in and work well as a unit.

After two minutes a Albion corner taken by Silvestro is headed home by Diack to give Albion Rovers a 1-0 lead. I didn’t have to wait long for our equaliser. Six minutes later a fast flowing passing move ended with Rodden one on one with the keeper and slotting the ball home. 1-1 and game on. Ten minutes later we were on the brink of taking the lead when Jackson was pulled down inside the area and a penalty was awarded. Ure steps up and dispatches the penalty past Chris Fahey in the Albion goal to send East Stirling into a 2-1 lead. Two minutes later McAuley rose two head in our third goal only for the referee to disallow it for offside. From the next attack Albion equalise through a Mercer header which just squeezed in between Connolly and his near post. A break in the midfield allowed Lappin to pull free of his marker and receive the ball. His mazy run took him up the wing where he put in a pin point cross for Ure who volleyed home his second goal of the game and put East Stirling back in the lead just before half time.

Straight from the kick-off Albion equalised for the second time in the match when a quick passing move allowed Diack to become all alone in the box and he made no mistake converting his chance to bring the score up to 3-3. A long ball was put up into the Albion box and the pressure by substitute Stuart Kelly brought the error from the keeper and a corner was conceded. The corner was only partially cleared and when a shot from Kelly was parried and dropped into the path of Rodden he made no mistake and won the game for East Stirling 4-3. Just before the full time whistle Kelly could have made it 5-3 with a bullet header though somehow Fahey tipped the ball over.

East Stirling 4:3 Albion Rovers
East Stirling Goals: Rodden (2), Ure (2)
Albion Rovers Goals: Diack (2), Mercer (1)
MoM: Paul Rodden (East Stirling)
Subs: Stewart on for Reid (63’), Kelly on for Ure (63’), Polwart on for McAuley (63’)
Booked: McManus (Albion), Diack (Albion), McBide(Albion)
Sent Off: -
Stadium:Firs Park
Attendance: 1418

Now this is the type of fast, flowing passing football that I have been wanting to see since I arrived as manager. I am happy with the player’s efforts though the defence today really needs to be improved before we can challenge for promotion.

More updates to come if the forum isnt down again

retired_sroch3032

1st of October 2003

The first day of the new month and we have the awards given out:

Martin Bavidge of Peterhead has picked up this month’s Third Division Player of the Month after scoring over a goal a game this month.

The Third Division Young Player of the Month has gone to Stirling’s Paul Nugent after his series of solid performances last month.

The Manager of the Month award for September has gone to Cowdenbeath’s boss Keith Wright after leading his team to two victories out of three matches.

4th of October 2003

Our first away match out of three this month takes us to Links Park to play Montrose who is 2 points below us on the table.

October 4th, 2003 Scottish Division Three Match 8 (a)
Montrose V East Stirling
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Montrose League Form: LLLWD Position: 9thEast Stirling League Form: WLWLL Position: 8th</pre>
East Stirling (4-4-2) Jon Connolly (c)- Roddy Maughan ,Graeme McLaren, James White, Craig Reid-Ross Jackson, Gordon Lappin, Sean McAuley, Jamie Mackay- Paul Rodden, Derek Ure
Subs: Chris Todd (gk), Michael Stewart, Jordan Leishman, Dougie Polwart, Stuart Kelly

I name an unchanged line-up for the third successive match after being impressed with our general performance in our last match.

A quick goal was what I was hoping for before the match and we almost got it. We took the kick off and in our real first attack Rodden’s shot was tipped over by Jim Butter. For the rest of the first half the Montrose pressure was immense and shots rained down on Connolly’s goal but to his credit he kept the score at 0-0 to the interval.

Our resistance was finally broken in the 54th minute when a corner was drifted in and not cleared convincingly. Watt took advantage of the defensive lapse by smashing the ball past Connolly. But to my surprise a late flag halted the celebrations and after the referee and linesmen conferred the goal was ruled out. I brought on Leishman for Rodden two minutes later leaving Kelly up as a lone striker. That bold move payed dividends two minutes later when the midfield was freed up by a long ball by Leishman and Kelly got onto the end of the move to knock it into the keeper and the ball rolled over the goal line to give us a shock lead. Four minutes later we almost had a second but McAuley’s 25-yard rocket was expertly tipped over by the Montrose number one. From the resulting corner the ball was cleared and Montrose went on a counter attack ending with the ball in the back of Connolly's net but again having the offside flag ruling the goal out. Wood finally equalised for Montrose after a poor clearance by Connolly let him in one on one and he made no mistake. The score tied at 1-1. McLaren won the ball on the left side of defence and set Kelly on his way. With Kelly waiting for support Leishman arrived on the scene and met the cross from Kelly to put East Stirling into the lead for the second time in the match. The lead lasted only ten minutes when in the 87th minute Henderson equalised and crushed our hopes of recording our second consecutive win.

Montrose 2:2 East Stirling
Montrose Goals: Wood (1), Henderson (1)
East Stirling Goals: Kelly (1), Leishman (1)
MoM: Jon Connolly (East Stirling)
Subs: Stewart on for White (58’), Kelly on for Rodden (45’), Leishman on for Ure (63’)
Booked: Webster (Montrose)
Sent Off: -
Stadium: Links Park
Attendance: 1583

A great game for the neutral with shots flying in from every angle. Leishman and Kelly both substitutes proved their worth to the team with a goal each to give us a draw away from home. I am a little disappointed after giving away the lead twice but it’s another point earned away from home.

Next the European Qualifying group stages come to an end with the better footballing countries qualfying easily.

retired_sroch3032

11th of October 2003

The last round of European Championship Qualifying matches were played today with some countries with nothing to play for except pride.

In Group 1 France beat Israel by a solitary Makelele goal to win the group and deflate Israel’s hope of taking 2nd stop. Slovenia didn’t know it before the match but any result would do against Cyprus to take 2nd spot. The game ended 1-1 and Slovenia live to fight another day and go into the play-offs.
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">PosInfTeamPldWonDrnLstForAgGDPts1stQFrance880 0273+24242ndPlSlovenia84221411+3143rdIsrael823387+ 194thCyprus8224817-985thMalta8017423-191</pre>
In Group 2 Denmark had already sealed qualification before the day’s play. They could be excused when they lost to Bosnia 2-0 on the road. Norway took 2nd spot on goal difference after a dull 0-0 draw with Luxembourg. Romania should feel cheated after they were on the same points as Norway and with a superior goal difference but were placed third.
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">PosInfTeamPldWonDrnLstForAgGDPts1stQDenmark85 12149+5162ndPlNorway834195+4133rdRomania8413269+17 134thBosnia8413990135th Luxembourg8017127-261</pre>
In Group 3 the Czech Republic edged out Austria 3:2 in Austria to give themselves hope of winning the group if the Dutch faulted against Moldova. Unfortunately for the Czechs the Dutch hammered Moldova 5-0 and sealed automatic qualification to Euro 2004.
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">PosInfTeamPldWonDrnLstForAgGDPts1stQHolland87 10242+22222ndPl Czech Republic8611197+12193rdAustria83051116-594thBelarus8206717-1065thMoldova8107322-193</pre>
In Group 4 Hungary played Poland with both sides only playing for pride. The Polish came away from the game with their pride intact after a 3-0 win against the Hungarians. The match between Sweden and Latvia decided who won the group and who would have to go through the drama of the play-offs. Sweden took the lead in the 2nd minute through Villa striker Marcus Allback and held on to win 1-0 and clinch their Euro 2004 place. Latvia will have to play a home and away play off leg to win a place for Euro 2004.
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">PosInfTeamPldWonDrnLstForAgGDPts1stQSweden853 0183+15182ndPlLatvia842296+3143rdPoland8332137+612 4thHungary8323138+5115th San Marino8008029-290</pre>
In Group 5 before today’s play Germany had sealed a place at the Championship. They were not playing at their full potential today and went down 1:0 to an Iceland team fighting for 2nd spot. Scotland was another side fighting for 2nd spot and they fought well enough to beat Lithuania 3-1. This allowed them 2nd spot by one solitary goal over Iceland.
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">PosInfTeamPldWonDrnLstForAgGDPts1stQGermany84 31116+5152ndPlScotland8422137+6143rdIceland8422138 +5144thLithuania8314912-3105th Faroe Islands8026518-132</pre>
In Group 6 all was to play for in the two matches. Greece held a slender 3 point margin over the Spanish and blew their chance to win the group when they lost 2-1 to Northern Ireland. The Spanish on the other hand made the Greek’s pay with a 2-1 victory over Armenia to win the group on goal difference.
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">PosInfTeamPldWonDrnLstForAgGDPts1stQSpain8431 157+8152ndPlGreece850396+3153rdUkraine82511412+211 4thArmenia82151017-775thN.Ireland8134511-66</pre>
In Group 7 the England-Turkey match was the main match because it determined who won the group A Darius Vassell penalty in the first half and a late strike by Michael Owen sealed the English victory 2-0 over Turkey on the Turkish home soil. In the other match of the round a dead rubber was played between Slovakia and Liechtenstein. The Slovakian’s wanted the win more and triumphed 3-1 to take 3rd spot in the group and end the group stage on a high.
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">PosInfTeamPldWonDrnLstForAgGDPts1stQEngland87 10224+18222ndPlTurkey8602177+10183rdSlovakia831412 10+2104thMacedonia81341015-565th Liechtenstein8017328-251</pre>
In Group 8 Belgium beat Estonia convincingly 3-0 to take 2nd spot in the group. While Croatia didn’t know it until after their 4-1 demolition of group leader Bulgaria that they wouldn’t make the play-offs and would have to be content with third.
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">PosInfTeamPldWonDrnLstForAgGDPts1stQBulgaria8 521177+10172ndPlBelgium8512128+4163rdCroatia841311 6+5134thEstonia8224410-685thAndorra8107215-133</pre>
In Group 9 Italy won the group by 5 points after winning their home match against Azerbaijan 2-0. Wales still thought they had a chance of taking over Italy in the group before the match but blew any chance of that happening surrendering a 2-0 lead to lose 3-2 against Serbia and Montenegro.
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">PosInfTeamPldWonDrnLstForAgGDPts1stQItaly8611 133+10192ndPlWales8422158+7143rdFinland83141010010 4th Serbia & Mont82331013-395th Azerbaijan8116418-144</pre>
In Group 10 Ireland snuck home in their match against Switzerland 2-1 to take the group. Russia and Georgia played out a scoreless draw to end their participation in the tournament.
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">PosInfTeamPldWonDrnLstForAgGDPts1stQIreland85 12159+6162ndPl Switzerland83411511+4133rdGeorgia8233610-494thRussia82331315-295thAlbania81341014-46</pre>

retired_sroch3032

12th of October 2003

The European Championship Qualifying Playoff matches were announced today and were as follow:
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Czech Republic V WalesTurkey V ScotlandLatvia V BelgiumSwitzerland V SloveniaNorway V Greece</pre>
16th of October 2003

Two days before our crucial match against Gretna injury news rocked the club. Ross Jackson suffered a torn groin strain and looks to be out for at least three months.

18th of October 2003

Our 2nd consecutive game on the road out of three puts us against Gretna.

October 18th, 2003 Scottish Division Three Match 9 (a)
Gretna V East Stirling
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Gretna League Form: WLLWL Position: 5thEast Stirling League Form: DWLWL Position: 7th</pre>
East Stirling (4-4-2) Jon Connolly (c)- Roddy Maughan ,Graeme McLaren, James White, Craig Reid-Scott Livingstone, Gordon Lappin, Sean McAuley, Jamie Mackay- Paul Rodden, Derek Ure
Subs: Chris Todd (gk), Michael Stewart, Jordan Leishman, Dougie Polwart, Stuart Kelly

I replace the injured Ross Jackson with Scott Livingstone who has been unlucky not to be in the first team the last few matches. I am really hoping Scott will step up and fill the position at a high standard.

After only five minutes a loose ball was picked up McAuley in the midfield where he fed it to Lappin on the left wing. Lappin took on and beat one defender and crossed the ball onto the head of Ure who just couldn’t beat the keeper with the header. A quick breakaway by Gretna lead to Cohen forcing a great save from Connolly resulting in a corner. The corner was crossed into the box and the player who won the corner, Cohen, took control of the ball and steered it past Connolly and the defender on the post. Ure had a chance to equalise for East Stirling ten minutes later but his tame header was tipped round the post by the Gretna stopper. Connolly was kept busy until the break with pressure coming from Gretna but with no reward for the home side’s dominance. Game over on the 55th minute with Milligan drawing Connolly and cheekily chipped him to give his side a 2-0 lead. We scored a consolation goal on the 85th minute after a harmless long ball found Ure and he beat his marker and smashed the ball past the Gretna keeper. The final whistle blew and we were beaten by a combination of clinical Gretna finishing and poor defending on our part.

Gretna 2:1 East Stirling
Gretna Goals: Cohen (1), Milligan (1)
East Stirling Goals: Ure (1)
MoM: Shaun Milligan (Gretna) Rating-9
Subs: Stewart on for White (66’), Kelly on for Rodden (46’), Leishman on for Livingstone (66’)
Booked: White (East Stirling), Robb (Gretna), Benjamin (Gretna)
Sent Off: -
Stadium: Raydale Park
Attendance: 1583

The team’s defence this season is terrible and really needs to be improved before we can move up the table. While i ponder our defensive position i also feel we need more consistence with the players knocking the goals in.