Blair fall to away defeat after gritty display
Tough test for severely depleted side
Despite having not played for three weeks, the Blairgowrie squad was massively depleted for the visit to hot favourites Dundee North End.
However, Blair made their more fancied opponents work hard for victory and they must regret not making more of the opening 20 minutes when they were well on top on an afternoon which would ultimately end in a 3-1 defeat.
Matty Adam tested home keeper Mackie with a rasping 20-yard drive, then Gary Axworthy saw a closerange header pushed wide by a brilliant reflex save. A Darren Neave lob looked net-bound but drifted just wide with Mackie helpless as North End struggled to make any impact.
Slowly the tide turned and North End came into the match but they rarely troubled Blair keeper Gordon O’Brien.
A couple of crosses flashed across the face of the Blair goal and a header sailed over, but generally Blair coped well as North End began to dominate territory.
Gordon Norrie saw a long-range rocket saved at the second attempt by Mackie just before half-time.
After the break a brilliant double save by O’Brien kept the scores level before a major turning point in the 55th minute. Steven Findlay, who had been outstanding at full-back, was injured causing a re-organisation of the Blair defence. North End took advantage, scoring just minutes later with a close range finish.
It was soon 2-0 when a mis-placed pass across the penalty area gifted a second goal. Blair were up against it now, but they replied with an Axworthy drive that was headed off the North End line.
In the gathering gloom, North End added a freak third goal when a totally mis-hit cross sliced into the Blair net to the astonishment of all present.
Blair replied immediately, with Adam scoring from close range after good lead-up play by Axworthy who was injured for his troubles.
Blairgowrie pressed in the closing minutes with Adam, Neave and Ian Plenderleith all coming close, but Blair never really looked like getting back into the match.
Blairgowrie: O’Brien, Findlay, Scott, Millar, Simpson, Axworthy, Brown, Plenderleith, Adam, Norrie, Neave. Subs used: MacNaughton, Murison, Christison.
This Saturday, Blairgowrie are at home to Brechin Vics in the North League in a 1.45pm kick-off.
● This week’s Blairgorie JFC berrypickers’ weigh-in numbers are 2, 3, 5 and 17.
There were no winners, meaning the prize money will be £1450 next week.