Montrose Roselea

ROSELEA BACK ON SONG IN DUNDEE Tayside Premier League Downfield v Montrose Roselea. Saturday 15th April2006-04-15 After the disappointing midweek defeat, Roselea travelled to meet an improving Downfield side, with a win needed to get back in the title race. With so many games being played including midweek fixtures, a few changes were made to the starting eleven. Roselea: McLeod, Craig, Whyte, H. Smith, C. Masson(Miller), Keith, McKellar, Watson(Croall), Simpson, Strachan(Clayton), Longmuir. Subs: Forbes, Wands. Downfield started with the wind advantage and forced a couple of corners, but it was Roselea who took the lead in 4 minutes from their first attack. Watson shrugged off his marker on the left before sending a great cross to the back post where McKellar headed home. This settled Roselea and Watson was next to threaten with a shot from a Simpson flick. Downfield had a spell of pressure with a few long throws from full back Wilson testing the Roselea rearguard, but the defence managed to cope with any danger. McKellar was causing Downfield all sorts of problems every time he received the ball, and after another good run, the winger set up Craig to cross, only for Stewart in the Downfield goal to thwart Watson. A quick throw in by Miller caught Downfield out and Simpson hit a good shot which the keeper saved well. Roselea deservedly increased their lead in 35 minutes when yet again the dangerous McKellar broke clear on the right before crossing to the inrushing Strachan who made no mistake. Minutes later it was almost three as Watson got through on the goalkeeper but his lob was not high enough and the keeper saved. Downfield tried to reduce the deficeit before half time and a good 25 yard free kick hit the outside of the post with McLeod struggling. HALF TIME - DOWNFIELD 0 ROSELEA 2 The second half started with Downfield the sharper and it was no surprise in 51 minutes when a good move involving a number of players was finished off by Lunan with a shot from inside the penalty area to make it 2-1. In 55 minutes another great run by McKellar down the right set up a chance for Simpson but the striker shot over the bar. Roselea restored their two goal advantage in 63 minutes with a headed goal by Watson from a Longmuir free-kick. This seemed to settle Roselea who were now taking control and another chance fell to Simpson who beat a couple of defenders before rifling in a good effort only for Stewart to make a great save in the Downfield goal. Roselea then had two great chances in a short space of time as both Watson and Keith were both clean through on goal but both times the keeper thwarted their efforts. In 76 minutes Roselea made it four with a superb move. A quick throw out from goalkeeper McLeod sent the excellent McKellar away on the right. The winger played a one-two with Watson before hitting the deadball line and crossing, where Watson had made up ground and sidefooted into the net. Another good effort in 84 minutes, when Miller went on a solo run and the goalkeeper did well to gather the full backs attempt. The final effort of the game was left to the hard working Simpson, but his lob from the edge of the penalty area cleared both the keeper and the crossbar. FULL TIME - DOWNFIELD 1 ROSELEA 4. After the midweek defeat, this was a resounding win, with a performance of football not seen for a few weeks and hopefully can be maintained with the heavy schedule of fixtures ahead, starting with Forfar West End away (Wednesday) followed by a home Challenge Cup tie against Kinnoull (Saturday) Kick Off 2.30pm. The Dugout Cup Final against Lochee Utd will be played at North End Park, Dundee on 20th May with a 2.30pm kick off.

MIDWEEK BLOW TO TITLE HOPES Tayside Premier League Montrose Roselea v Arbroath SC. Wednesaday 12th April 2006 Roselea entertained Arbroath SC in the first midweek fixture of a hectic spell of crucial matches which will determine the outcome of the league title. Roselea: McLeod, Craig, Whyte, C.Masson, H.Smith, Keith, Findlater(McKellar), Watson(Longmuir), Forbes(Simpson), Page, Strachan. Subs: Croall, Wands. This game was played on a bumpy pitch with a strong wind which Arbroath SC had advantage of in the first half. After an earlier scare when they hit the post ASC took the lead in 12 minutes from a 20 yard free-kick which gave McLeod no chance in the Roselea goal. Roselea tried to respond as Hayden Smith had an attempt saved on the line by the goalkeeper’s feet. Forbes then had the ball in the net but was correctly judged to have been in an offside position. As half time approached McLeod was called upon to keep the scoreline the same with some good saves. HALF TIME - ROSELEA 0 ARBROATH SC 1 Roselea started the second half well using the long ball tactic, but were unable to take any chances created. Page narrowly missed a Strachan cross to put Roselea back on terms as ASC were rarely seen as an attacking force. Another good move with McKellar crossing to Longmuir, who set up Simpson but his shot went narrowly over the bar. The game finished in dramatic circumstances when Strachan scored from a Page corner to level the game, and in trying for a victory, left themselves exposed at the back from the kick off, allowing ASC to snatch the winner despite a brave attempt by McLeod to keep the ball out. FULL TIME - ROSELEA 1 ARBROATH SC 2 This was a severe blow to Roselea title hopes and will now need a string of victories in the games to come, to give them hope of winning the league.

Dugout Cup Semi-final Turriff Utd v Montrose Roselea Saturday 8th April 2006 Roselea made the journey north to play Turriff Utd in the semi-final of the Dugout Cup after having a blank week previously due to the weather. A few players were unavailable but the squad were out to make sure they made it to this cup final slot. Roselea: McLeod, Craig, Whyte, H.Smith, C.Masson, Keith, Findlater(McKellar), P.Masson(Longmuir) Forbes(Simpson), Page, Strachan. Subs: Croall., Wands. Turriff were first to attack and a good move ended with Walker shooting past the post as both teams took time to settle in the wintry conditions. Roselea’s first attack ended when Forbes headed over from a Findlater cross but was adjudged offside. In 15 minutes Petrie of Turriff sent Walker through the left hand side of Roselea defence. The striker went wide rounding goalkeeper McLeod before hitting his effort behind. Turriff continued to press forward and an excellent block by Hayden Smith at the expense of a corner prevented danger to the Roselea defence. Roselea had their first dangerous attempt in 32 minutes when from a Page cross, Hayden Smith headed over the bar with the goalkeeper stranded. Minutes later an excellent ball into the Turriff penalty area by Chris Masson just eluded Paul Whyte running in on goal as Roselea came more into the game as an attacking force. Strachan then sent Page through only to be brought down by Gill of Turriff who was cautioned for the tackle. Roselea almost gave a goal away on the stroke of half-time as a Smith slip allowed Lobban a clear view of goal, but he shot weakly straight at McLeod. The last effort of the half was left to Roselea with Forbes hitting a well driven shot wide of the goal. HALF TIME TURRIFF 0 ROSELEA 0 The second half started in explosive fashion as McLeod of Turriff appeared to put his head in the face of Paul Masson but was only cautioned for his action. Roselea were now being more attack minded and Strachan sent Page clear on the left and his cross was blocked for a corner. From the set piece Whyte headed wide of the goal. In 57 minutes Ralton of Turrifff sent in a dangerous cross but with no attackers challenging, the ball went out for a goal kick. Roselea broke the deadlock in 60 minutes when a long ball was played into the penalty area where it broke to Wayne Keith, who hit a screaming shot into the top corner of the net. Another flowing Roselea move ended with Strachan having his cross blocked for a corner and from the resulting kick Chris Masson headed over the bar. Minutes later Simpson broke through the Turriff defence before slipping the ball past the advancing keeper only to see Ralton clear his effort off the line as Roselea appeared to be the stronger team now. In a rare Turriff attack, Paul Whyte conceded a free kick 20 yards from goal and with McLeod stranded Gray struck the post and Roselea scrambled the ball clear. In 86 minutes Simpson went down the right before passing to Page, who cut along the penalty box before firing just over the bar. Roselea played out time by keeping possession winning a number of corners and throw ins until finally the referee blew for the end of the game to the delight of the travelling players and officials FULL TIME TURRIFF UTD 0 ROSELEA 1 This was a battling display and hopefully boost confidence with a busy league schedule ahead. starting with a midweek fixture at home to Arbroath SC (Wednesday) Kick Off 6.30pm followed by a visit to Downfield on Saturday Kick off 2.30pm. Details of Cup Final which will be against Lochee Utd to be announced at a later date.

ROSELEA MAKE SWIFT EXIT Johnnie Walker Cup Montrose Roselea v Jeanfield Swifts Broomfield Park Saturday 28th January 2006 Roselea played hosts to a young Jeanfield Swifts side from Tayside First Division, in the first round Johnnie Walker Cup. With Page, Findlater and Miller still missing, Ryan Strachan was added to this list after been called up to the Brechin City squad and James McKellar replaced him. Christie and Crawford also started with Craig and Keith relegated to the subs bench and Kevin Smith joined them replacing Wands. Roselea: McLeod, Christie, Whyte, H. Smith, Longmuir, Crawford(Craig), Clayton(Keith) Watson, Simpson, Forbes, McKellar(Croall). Subs: K. Smith, Masson. Roselea started the brighter with a Watson header followed by a 30 yard drive from Clayton both missing the target. Jeanfield should have done better from their first attack when from a poor clearance from a corner kick, the ball was played back into the penalty area and a poor header resulted in a goal kick to Roselea. A further Jeanfield chance was squandered when from a defensive mix-up their striker was clean through with only McLeod to beat, but wasted the opportunity. In 15 minutes Paul Whyte had a shot saved by the goalkeeper after being put through by Longmuir. Roselea were struck a severe blow in 20 minutes when Eric Watson was shown a straight red card for an incident off the ball that only the referee appeared to see. Five minutes later, only a great one handed save from McLeod kept Roselea on level terms and they tried to come to grips with the loss of Watson. In 32 minutes, Roselea opened the scoring in spectacular fashion. Clayton picking up the ball, beating two defenders out on the right before hitting a 30 yard shot, dipping over the keeper and hitting both posts before crossing the line. The player celebrated his goal with stunning gymnastic vaults, which would have earned top marks from any judges. Roselea’s new formation of Forbes dropping back to midfield leaving Simpson up front alone, were still causing Jeanfield Swifts problems and a rash tackle by their defender on Crawford brought a yellow card from the referee, who also warned Roselea manager Balfour for his anger at the tackle. HALF TIME ROSELEA 1 JEANFIELD SWIFTS 0 In 52 minutes, Clayton sent Simpson clear down the right, and from his cross Crawford had his effort cleared off the line. McLeod then kept Roselea in front with a great save from a Jeanfield midfield player’s drive. Jeanfield were now becoming more of a danger and beginning to use the extra man advantage, with Roselea hitting more on the break. In one of these breakaways Forbes came close to increasing the lead with a great 20 yard drive after great hold up play by Simpson. Jeanfield came close in 70 minutes when a curling shot just eluded the left hand post, and minutes later another great McLeod save kept the lead intact. In 79 minutes Jeanfield drew level. A long ball from the left back area was headed down in the box, and the inrushing midfield player hammered the ball home. Ross McLeod was now working overtime, making another couple of good stops as Jeanfield with the extra man were going all out for the winner. James McKellar had to be replaced after a very bad tackle on him, but to everyone’s surprise the referee failed to take action. Roselea almost scored, when after a move down the right, Simpson hit a shot goalward, only to see the keeper dive the wrong way but save the ball with his feet. Jeanfield snatched victory in the last minute, as a good move down their right, ended with a cross to the far post where the inrushing player nodded home. In injury time, Jeanfield were also reduced to ten men, as a second yellow card was shown to their midfield player after a rash challenge on Craig. A yellow card was also shown to Craig in relation to this incident. FULL TIME ROSELEA 1 JEANFIELD SWIFTS 2 This was a cruel blow to Roselea, who looked like holding out to take the tie into penalty kicks, so it is on to another home game next Saturday and another cup game against Northern side Hermes in the Dugout Cup.

Tayside Premier League Montrose Roselea v Coupar Angus Broomfield Park, Saturday 21 January 2006 Roselea entertained Coupar Angus for their first home league game of 2006 and with last weeks disappointing exit from the OVD Scottish Junior Cup, it was hoped that a return to winning ways would continue their title push. From last weeks side two further enforced changes had to be made with injuries to Colin Page and Matt Miller adding to Scott Findlater still out, with Wayne Keith returning and Chris Simpson starting, also Jai Clayton replacing James McKellar in the starting 11. Roselea: McLeod, Craig, Whyte, H Smith, Longmuir, Clayton, Watson, Keith, Strachan, Simpson, Forbes Subs: Croall, Crawford, Christie, McKellar, Wands Roselea started on the attack and within the first minute a good run down the right by Clayton who then released Forbes but his shot from 16 yards went wide. Coupar Angus had their first opportunity in five minutes when a mix-up between Clayton and Craig allowing their striker an opportunity but Smith cleared the danger at the expense of a corner. Strachan then had a good run down the left before passing to Keith who beat his opponent before having an effort at goal easily saved by the Coupar Angus goalkeeper. Coupar Angus then had a five minute spell of pressure in which time they had two good opportunities but both ended up being wasted. In 15 minutes Forbes had an effort for Roselea turned round the post for a corner and Whyte headed wide from the resultant kick. Roselea opened the scoring minutes later as two Coupar Angus defenders got in a mix-up from a free-kick by Strachan, and Eric Watson pounced to flick the ball past the advancing keeper. Apart from an occasional break by Coupar Angus, Roselea were now taking control and creating numerous chances. From one of these breakaways Coupar Angus forced McLeod to make a good diving save down to his right to keep Roselea in front. Roselea were now stretching the game with Clayton and Strachan on each flank and Watson dictating the play in the centre of midfield. It came as no surprise that in 37 minutes Roselea doubled their lead with a powerful 25 yard drive from Watson giving the Coupar Angus goalkeeper no chance. Roselea then increased their lead further just before half-time when from a Strachan perfectly flighted free-kick, Whyte rose above everybody to plant a header in the top corner of the net. Roselea continued to dominate into the second half and came as no shock when they added number four, Forbes beat his opponent on the right then crossed where Simpson had a header blocked and Watson followed up to side foot the ball into the back the net and complete his well earned hat-trick. In 55 minutes Roselea had a good claim for a penalty turned down when Forbes appeared to be bundled off the ball in the box, but no decision was given. Roselea were now totally dominating and Clayton had a good long range effort well saved by the goalkeeper. Roselea made their first change of the match bringing Crawford on to replace Keith. Roselea were then awarded a penalty kick after Forbes was adjudged to have been brought down in the box. He picked himself up and confidently sent the keeper the wrong way to make it 5-0 on 62 minutes. Four minutes later a rampant Roselea scored again when from a free-kick just outside the penalty area on the right hand side, Strachan’s delivery was flicked home at the near post by Forbes for his second in the space of five minutes. Roselea made two further changes taking goal scorers Watson and Forbes off to be replaced by Croall and Christie. These changes did not affect Roselea’s flowing football and in 70 minutes came close to adding number seven, when the dangerous Clayton’s cross just eluded Simpson and was turned behind for a corner. Clayton was now causing allsorts of trouble to the Coupar Angus defence and almost scored in 77 minutes after setting up and almost finishing the move. In 88 minutes Roselea finished an excellent performance off with number seven after a defender handled a Croall cross in the box and Clayton sprinted thirty yards to make sure he was to take the spot kick on his birthday. The confident winger calmly slotted the spot kick home to complete the onslaught. This was excellent performance to wipe away the disappointment of the previous week’s cup exit and maintain their League title challenge. Roselea host Jeanfield Swifts at home in the East of Scotland KIA cup this Saturday at Broomfield Park, kick off 1.45pm and hope for another good victory before heading off to their Annual Sportsman’s Dinner in the evening.