Donsiders win promotion to the A league with gritty, determined display.
Second half goal is enough to sink nearest rivals.
Sunday 8th May 2016 – ADJFA B League
Donside Juvenile …..... 1
Glentanar CFC …........ 0
Goal: Brodie Ross.
The Stripes went into today's game knowing that a win would be enough to take them up. Our visitors Glentanar were 2 points behind us and after losing to them 2 weeks ago (4-2) we knew that winning today would take a mighty effort.
Missing Greg, Connor, Craig B and David, and with a few niggling injuries in the squad present, we selected a full 16 today , including Craig C and Jamie F who have played only a handful of games between them. I have to say both these boys did really well considering their lack of games this season.
It was a close first half with Glentanar possibly shading it in both possession and attempts. Brodie spurned a couple of early chances, scuffing his first and then blazing just wide from 20 yards. Glentanar then carved out 2 clear cut chances with Ben M brilliantly and bravely saving on both occasions when a goal looked odds on. It was an early indication that Ben M was set to have probably his best game of the season between the sticks. Then Glentanar came even closer to breaking the deadlock as a header shaved the post.
A free kick from Tom just cleared the right hand side upright as Donside pushed hard for the all important first goal. I thought our back central 3 today of Callum D, Matty (who captained the side today) and Ben A were outstanding for the whole 70 minutes.
HT and a tense first 35 remained goalless. 0-0.
The second half started and again Glentanar were quick out of the traps. Our visitors pressured us relentlessly but the back line and Ben M continued to defy them.
Ben M then made his save of the game when Liam almost scored a spectacular OG from a corner only for our No.1 to tip over superbly. Tom was enjoying a great return to action after his illness with his passing being a feature of Donsides play today. A pin point Tom corner found Jamie C unmarked 6 yards out but his bullet header was well saved by the Glentanar stopper.
Then at the other end we somehow managed a last ditch scramble off the goal line with Glenatanar claiming it had crossed. Not given and play on ! It was nerve shredding stuff !
The game seemed to be heading towards a 0-0 deadlock until Tom picked up the ball in midfield and curled a superb, outside of the foot, pass through the channel, Brodie pounced onto it, left 2 defenders in his wake and side stepped the advancing keeper before slotting the ball home !
It was without doubt the biggest moment of our season and you could feel the relief throughout the whole team, coaches and parents!
Glentanar threw everything forward for the last 15 minutes and had a huge shout for a penalty... again the ref waved play on as Donside hearts missed a beat !
Tempers started to fray a bit as challenges got heavier and heavier. Brodie picked up a yellow for taking his shirt off after scoring and Lewis and Matty also were carded for strong challenges.
But the Donsiders held out ….. final whistle and a brilliant victory and promotion nailed on ! Our final match (TBC) at Stonehaven Madrid is now academic.
Kenny, Derek and I cannot tell you how proud we are of the boys effort today, this season and indeed the last 3 years. They have been immense. Very well done to one and all.
TEAM DONSIDE !
KKD
