FORFAR ALBION v MONTROSE ROSELEA

EAST REGION NORTH DIVISION

SAT FEB 25^th 2011

Roselea looked to bounce back with a win after a disappointing defeat in the GA Cup at Banks o Dee. Again there were several missing player with Ewan Graham, Colin Kennedy, David Craig, James Collier & Calum Rae all unavailable or injured. On the plus side Craig Watson, Jordan Reoch and Matt Miller returned with a Trialist also appearing in defence. Paul Whyte also took up one of the places on the bench but was not 100% fit. 

Albion’s Guthrie Park had been under snow and ice for much of the winter and even as long as a week ago they had to break up ice to allow their game to go ahead. On a perfect spring day the pitch was in decent condition after being rolled and spiked. Albion had a rare 2-1 win over Coupar Angus the previous week and were looking to continue that form. 

Roselea: Mcleod, Mustard, Trialist, Miller, Doug Craig, Hood, Urquhart, Reoch, Strachan, Aitken & Watson. Subs: Riach, Fotheringham, Reid, McKellar, Whyte & Brand.

Guthrie Park has been a notoriously difficult place for Roselea over the years and they got off to the worst possible start by conceding a goal in the first minute. Ali broke on the right outstripping Craig and his cutback should have been finished by Howie but Mcleod made a great block only for Taylor to follow up and volley home. 

Roselea were struggling find their feet with many passes misplaced, bad control and lack of composure and was not until the 17^th minute they had their first chance. The ball broke back to Urquhart and his volley was pushed onto the bar and over by Gordon in the home goal. 

Roselea were getting more into things and Reoch had a great effort in 25 minutes and again the ball was deflected for a corner.  

In 27 minutes Aitken was crudely brought down 25 yards out and Lee Hoods free kick troubled Gordon who pushed the ball out but no green shirts were there to follow up. More pressure saw Strachan pass to Mustard and his shot was again blocked by a home defence which did not want to give anything away. A minute later Hood had a header tipped over the bar and from the corner Craig went close with a lob that went just past the upright. Roselea were getting on top but trouble was just around the corner. 

They had a disastrous three minute spell at the end of the half. With the home side appealing for a foul the referee allowed play to go on and Mcleod’s clearance came off Howie and fell perfectly to Walker who chested the ball down before hammering home. Right on half time further pain was inflicted on Roselea. This time Miller came surging out looking for offside but a perfectly timed run by McIntosh saw him draw Mcleod before slotting the ball home. 

Half Time: Forfar Albion 3 Montrose Roselea 0

Roselea were looking to get back into the game early in the second half and Riach replaced Watson to try and freshen things up.

 Albion almost made it 4 when a slip by Miller allowed Walker in but his attempted chip was poorly hit and found the side netting. 

Roselea were giving a better showing and it wasn’t long before they had a chance and that came in 53 minutes when Urquhart headed over a Craig free kick with Gordon all at sea. 

Fotheringham replaced Hood. 

Mcleod was keeping Roselea in things and made three great saves to thwart a rampant Albion.

In 70 minutes further disaster struck Roselea when they conceded a penalty. Miller was overly keen to pinch the ball from the feet of Howie from a throw in and hauled the striker down. Mcleod yet again dived to make a tremendous save and beat the ball away with a strong hand. 

Reid replaced Strachan. 

In 82 minutes there was nothing even Mcleod could do as Ali broke from deep and finished after rounding the keeper.   Roselea continued to create chances and Fotheringham couldn’t do much with ball that came to him quickly and volleyed over. Mcleod made two more great saves as the scoreline threatened to further embarrass the visitors. 

Full Time: Forfar Albion 4 Montrose Roselea 0

 Firstly Roselea will need to acknowledge that they were outgunned by a spirited Albion side who look like they are maturing into a decent side however there were many flaws in their ranks. Some players looked like they were lacking confidence, some were perhaps lacking match sharpness however the main difference in the sides was the desire which was sadly lacking as far as Roselea were concerned. The Roselea Management team will need to ask some questions as to which players they will want to use in the coming matches to try and get their Title challenge back on track. 

Roselea are now faced with a massive game away to current League leaders Downfield on Sat 5^th March. 4 points separate the sides and Roselea go into the game with two games in hand.