Montrose Roselea

Sunday 4^th October 2009

DJ Laing Cup Final

Montrose Roselea v Lochee Utd 

Roselea traveled to Carnoustie on Sunday to contest the first silverware of the season against Super League side Lochee Utd for the DJ Laing Cup.

The squad was without Assistant Manager Doug Craig, David Craig, Watson and Page but new signing Jonny Mitchell was included.

Roselea:McLeod, Reoch, Graham(Miller), Whyte, Longmuir, McKellar, Fotheringham(Rae), Kerrigan(Mustard), Kennedy, Fraser, Mitchell. Subs: Riach, Brand, Strachan, Massie.

The Super League side was the first to try their luck Blackwood headed a cross down for Robertson but the shot went wide of goal.

The game quickly turned into a midfield battle with both sides unable to gain the upper hand and it took until 19 minutes before Roselea had their first real chance. Fraser broke clear on the left and from his cross McKellar could not direct his header and the ball was cleared.

Lochee responded quickly and it took a great blocking tackle by Whyte from a Robertson cross to keep out the danger before Middleton broke on the right and his cross was turned behind for a corner from which Watson rose high but headed over.

Roselea were finding it hard to gain possession and from a smart move Voigts saw his shot curl wide of the goal.

In 26 minutes Longmuir fired in a dangerous free kick and Whyte headed back across goal but there were no takers on hand.

Kennedy was next to try his luck with a header but could not get any power or direction on the cross from McKellar.

Both teams had chances before the break with firstly Middleton having a shot but McLeod saved easily before Fraser broke for Roselea only to see his left foot shot go wide.

HALF TIME – ROSELEA 0 LOCHEE UTD 0

Roselea were forced into making a change at the interval with Graham taking a head knock having to be replaced by Miller.

The game carried the same pattern with Lochee having more off the ball but finding it hard to break a resolute Roselea rearguard and always looking lively on the break.

Robertson came close for Lochee after 60 minutes when he met an Alexander cross but his effort went narrowly past the post.

Then at the other end it took a good save from Ross to deny Fraser after the striker was sent through by Mitchell.

The game was starting to stretch a little and Lochee had the closet attempt so far when substitute Alexander strode forward and hit a shot which McLeod made a great save tipping onto the crossbar before being cleared.

Roselea were now under pressure and from a corner that was partially cleared Cargill hit what looked like a goal all the way until McLeod dived and made another top class save.

Longmuir was next to save Roselea as Middleton was allowed room on the left hand side of the penalty area and after lobbing McLeod it was the defender who headed the ball clear before reaching the goal.

The game was drawing to a close and it was Longmuir again at the other end this time who fired over from a good position.

There were no further chances and the referee blew his final whistle and the game went straight to penalty kicks.

After the statutory five kicks each the teams were still level at 3-3 with Miller, Longmuir and Whyte converting for Roselea while Middleton, Blackwood and Alexander counting for Lochee Utd. It was now sudden death and McLeod made a great save from Christie and it was left to young Jordan Reoch who calmly scored to win the trophy for Roselea.

The sponsors chose Roselea goalkeeper Ross McLeod as their Man of the Match.

FULL TIME – ROSELEA 0 LOCHEE UTD 0 (ROSELEA WON 4-3 0N PENALTIES)

A tremendous boost for Roselea who battled for the whole game against their higher league opponents and came away with the trophy in the end. Every player played their part but a special mention to Man of the Match Ross McLeod for his outstanding performance and to young Jordan Reoch who showed great composure in taking the winning spot kick

Roselea now return to league action this week (Saturday 10^th October) with an away game against Arniston Rangers which is being played at Newtongrange. Kick Off 2.30pm.