MONTROSE ROSELEA V FORFAR WEST END

MCBOOKIE.COM EAST PREMIER LEAGUES

AT APRIL 25^TH 2015 

Roselea faced Forfar West End in the Angus Premier League derby match and despite sitting on 37 points which was two more than they survived with last season were still not assured of their place in the Division next season. West End meanwhile were dragged into one of the relegation spots due to a run of four losses and were desperate for points to haul them up the table. 

Roselea were minus Calum Rae and Andrew Tringham but to balance things out Michael Cruickshank returned from suspension and after a spell out injured Ross Mitchell returned to the starting line up. 

Despite the rain overnight the pitch was still fiery and the predicted drop in temperatures combined with a stiff breeze made for testing conditions with a definite chill in the air. 

Mcleod, Reoch, Whyte, Thomson, Findlater, Mitchell, Anderson, Collier, Campbell, Watson & Reid. Subs: Greig, Smith, R Taylor, Cruickshank & Brand.

In the opening 10 minutes West End had the upper hand and looked the sharper side. McDonald managed to cut back from the bye line and Mcleod saved at the second attempt. 

The first real opening came in the 22^nd minute and it was for the home side. Smith missed a Whyte clearance and this let Campbell in but he took one touch too many and the angle was narrowed with Burns saving well with his feet. 

Dale Reid then had a good opening in 37 minutes when Campbell played him in but as he cut across his man the ball rose up and he scooped his shot high and wide. 

After a quiet opening the game burst into life in the 38^th minute. Watson flicked a ball onto Reid who went down in a collision with the keeper and with Roselea still appealing for a penalty a long clearance sent Darren SCOTT away at the other end and he drew Mcleod before calmly slotting the ball under the keeper for the opener.  

Roselea had a half chance to get back on level terms a couple of minutes later. Keeper Burns came and punched a good Findlater cross but the ball fell to Watson who squared for Reid to header narrowly wide at the near post. 

Right on half time Roselea had a claim for a penalty when Campbell went down in the box. Although there was contact the player was booked for a dive which seemed to be a harsh decision. 

Half Time: Montrose Roselea 0 Forfar West End 1

As the second half kicked off the match became bogged down with some skirmishes and some petty diving from both sides. It was no surprise that a sending off might happen and it came on the hour mark. Craig Bell got involved off the ball and was shown a straight red card with West End claiming a home player had started the incident. This left the visitors with 10 men for the last half hour. 

Roselea made a double change in 65 minutes with two defenders coming off with Findlater & Thomson being replaced by Taylor & Greig. The move seemed to work and they managed to get on level terms in 75 minutes. Ross Mitchell who had struggled to get into the game managed to have one of his trademark runs down the right and his far post cross was expertly side footed volleyed home by Liam CAMPBELL from 12 yards out. 

Roselea started to push for the winner with West End on the back foot but at the same time looking determined to hold out for a point. 

Roselea made a third change with Michael Cruickshank replacing the injured Mitchell in 80 minutes. 

Reid had a chance for Roselea as he got a break of the ball in the box but Burns saved with his feet and then from an Anderson corner Campbell’s downwards header was well saved by the West End keeper. West End did force a couple of breaks however in a strange move they seemed content to hold the ball in the corner viewing it as a point gained with ten men rather than trying to grab a winner.  

Full Time: Montrose Roselea 1 Forfar West End 1

This was a fair result and reflection on the game. Although Roselea created more chances West End fought well for the point. It was a towsy game at time and there were a smattering of bookings aside the red card for the West End player.

Roselea retain 5^th spot but with a host of clubs on their tail they will need a couple more wins to try and keep in the top six come the end of the season. Although not yet fully safe they are slowly getting towards the finishing line.  

On Weds April 29^th Roselea travel for Tayport for a midweek League match which kicks off at 6.45pm then on Saturday 2^nd May they play their final home match of the season against Dundee Violet with a 2.30pm Kick Off. This leaved them with three away games to finish the season against Broughty Ath, Edinburgh Utd and Glenrothes with the dates to be advised.