Dookers are denied a win by Houston’s late leveller

ON SATURDAY March 10, Tarbert welcomed Houston to Cil Andreis looking to avenge the defeat in the reverse fixture earlier this season.

The weather approaching kick off was horrendous, and by the time 2pm came around the pitch was very wet and conditions were freezing due to the driving wind – it was not a day for the faint-hearted.

The match began with much hustle and bustle, with the away side forcing a succession of early corners. Tarbert defended well though and managed to come through a tough period unscathed though without offering much of an attacking threat themselves. The Tarbert goalkeeper was the busier in the first half and produced a couple of good saves to keep the scoreline level.

It was Tarbert, however, who should have led at the interval after a good passing move allowed MacDougall to square to MacKinnon but his shot went harmlessly over the bar with the goal at his mercy. Overall, there was little between the teams in the first half so 0-0 was a fair reflection at the break.

Tarbert began the second half with more vigour as they looked to get their noses in front and try to get a third home win in a row. MacDougall and Guy were getting a lot of joy on the left side and were unlucky not to create more chances as the final ball was often lacking.

The Houston keeper looked nervy and had a couple of mis-hit kicks that barely made it out of his own 18-yard box. Tarbert seemed inspired by this and went on the hunt for the opening goal, but were almost caught by the sucker punch.

Some quick play from Houston saw them create a half-chance but the effort was saved well and the Tarbert keeper was again out quickly moments later to smother at the feet of the advancing striker.

Tarbert then felt aggrieved not to be awarded a penalty by referee Litster as MacKinnon broke into the box only to have his foot clipped as he tried to shoot.

All the best action was saved for the last five minutes. More good work on the lefthand side saw the ball come into the box for MacKinnon to sweep home and put Tarbert 1-0 ahead with just a few minutes remaining. The home side looked to keep it tight for the final few moments, but on the stroke of 90 minutes Houston scored after a shot rebounded kindly into the striker’s path for a tap-in equaliser. One final chance came the way of Tarbert as a free kick was delivered into the box but MacDougall’s header failed to beat the Houston keeper.

This weekend, Tarbert are away to Castlemilk, which could prove to be a very difficult match.