Erskine unable to bridge the gap as Carradale win

THIRD division Carradale fielded a strong squad and showed the third from top, Greater Glasgow Football League (GGFL) Division one side, Erskine AFC, how to play.

Some superlative goalkeeping from Neil McMillan helped deny Erskine chances, but occasionally, when he was beaten while way out of his box, spectators’ hearts were in their mouths.

His best efforts were with both hands and feet, including a blocked penalty.

Erskine travelled to Kintyre for the first time and it was ‘Dale’s first match against a GGFL top tier side.

Fine conditions, on the Campbeltown 3G pitch, with a little breeze, helped Carradale in the first half.

There was a bit of tension in the ‘Dale side and Erskine’s number nine, Jack Anderson, was quick to exploit it in the ninth minute. He skinned the ‘Dale defence but luckily the hard shot, with Mcmillan well beaten, came crashing off the bar. This was an early warning and made sure the ‘Dale side knew what they were up against.

The back four of Craig Galbraith, Joey Boyd, Ryan McGrory and Stuart MacPhail gave little away for the rest of the half. Any time Erskine did break through they had to contend with McMillan and he stood strong.

Similarly, although ‘Dale had a good few chances the Renfrew side gave nothing away at the back.

After the break ‘Dale changed their formation, moving DJ up front and went from 4-4-2 to 4-5-1, to try to stop Erskine dominating the middle of the park.

In a dramatic twominute spell between the 54th and 56th minutes each side had a penalty.

There seemed no danger in the 54th minute when McMillan passed a ball out. But Erskine’s number nine ran in and Boyd’s tackle caught him hard with a penalty the result.

Erskine’s Stuart Hunter took the penalty but McMillan denied him, making his second spot save in the last two matches. He dived the right way and pushed it out to the left delighting ‘Dale’s players.

Within two minutes it was the McFadyen’s Transport sponsored Carradale’s turn, Daniel Docherty was just inside the opposition box, with his back to the goal. As he turned, an Erskine defender tugged his shirt, the result a penalty.

Docherty took it, the keeper went the wrong way and his shot hammered into the righthand side of the net.

As the game progressed Erskine had a couple of chances from free kicks but failed to find the net.

‘Dale brought Neil McMillan is beaten but Erskine failed to capitise. on Carradale clear their lines as McMillan appears to be heading the wrong way.25_c17carradaleafc05

Gregor Croll for some fresh legs. Within a few minutes he set up Jamie Morris but his shot flew into the keeper’s arms.

With 15 minutes to go, Stuart MacBrayne had a good chance, from a Docherty pass, but the keeper was equal to the effort and pushed it round the post for a corner.

As the game continued Erskine became

increasingly deperate but ‘Dale’s defence kept a high line making it hard for the strikers.

Carradale held on for a good all round 1-0 victory. Man of the match was Craig Galbraith, who had a marvellous game.

Carradale have a free weekend and return to action in two weeks time in the Spring cup against St Pats AFC from Dumbarton. Fine control from Stuart MacBrayne. McMillan is dwarfed as players challenge for the ball at a corner.