Jump for joy at win
Squad’s early setbacks overcome at Davie Park
Blairgowrie produced their best performance of the season with an emphatic 7-2 victory over the previously undefeated East Craigie.
The match got off to a bad start for Blairgowrie when Greg McDonald was injured in the first 10 seconds, making Lewis McNaughton Blair’s earliest-ever substitute.
Mark Brash’s side soon got on top and were dominating the game.
Despite this, the visitors from Dundee took the lead from the penalty spot after 15 minutes through Mann.
Blair continued to press and Gary Axworthy saw three shots blocked on the goal line in the same move before thumping the crossbar.
Reward for Blairgowrie’s efforts came after 25 minutes when a long spell of possession saw Axworthy set up Gordon Norrie, who turned and scored from 10 yards.
Just when it seemed like it was remaining a stalemate at the interval, a similar move saw Matty Adam score on 42 minutes.
Immediately afterwards, Rudi Brown accepted a pass from Adam to blast into the roof of the net from a tight angle.
It was soon 5-1, as Blairgowrie scored twice in the opening minutes of the second half. Adam was wrestled to the ground in the box and he scored confidently from the spot.
He followed this up with a beautiful half-volley high into the net from 15 yards to seal the match.
East Craigie’s frustration led to a red card, but the 10 men pulled a goal back through Mann courtesy of a freakish deflection which Gordon O’Brien saved brilliantly before the Craigie player netted the rebound.
Brown hit the underside of the crossbar after great play by Darren Neave.
The sixth goal came from a great move, Gordon Pirie releasing Axworthy with a perfect pass down the right.
The winger crossed to Neave who fired a header over the Craigie keeper.
It was seven when Norrie turned an Axworthy cross into the roof of the net.
He almost had his hat-trick, but his venomous free-kick hit the crossbar.
Another Craigie player saw red in the dying moments of the match.
But it took nothing away from Blairgowrie’s win, which was enjoyed by the good crowd.
Blairgowrie are at home to West Lothian side Harthill Royal in the first round of the East of Scotland Cup on Saturday. It’s a 2.30pm kick-off at Davie Park. • This week’s berry-pickers’ weigh-in numbers were 2, 4, 7 and 9. There were no winners. Next week’s jackpot is £750.