DOUBLE IMPACT
Thrilling opening day victory for Lang
John Gemmell’s double handed Cambuslang Rangers an opening day victory in their return to the Super First whilst also keeping up their 100 per cent record.
The Somervell Park side have now won all five competitive games including Saturday’s 2-0 triumph over Kilsyth Rangers.
Gemmell was in top form all afternoon as he shone alongside teammates Callum McRobbie, John Henderson and Jordan Morton.
And despite being forced to defend for large periods of the first half, his penalty gave The Lang a foothold in the game before doubling his tally with an excellent strike in the second 45.
Manager Paul McColl said: “Gemmell did well. He’s always capable of scoring goals. He’s taken 40 or 50 penalties in his career and rarely missed so he’s got a good record from the spot.
“But there were a lot of good performances out there. Callum McRobbie played well and so did Jordan Morton and John Henderson.
“Kilsyth are a decent side with some very good players who can cause you problems. They pass the ball well.
“But to win 2-0 in your first game in that league is great and you would take that scoreline any day of the season.”
Kilsyth threatened from the first minute, when a decent move up the right led to a cross sailing past the home goal mouth. There were no takers but Scott Davidson was on hand to gather at the back post and
blast over .
Ian Diack then had an initial shot saved by Iain Stewart before getting a second chance and headed wide. Davidson sent a shot high soon after.
The visitors would come to regret those missed chances when Cambuslang went ahead after the referee awarded them a penalty. Gemmell was brought down by Wright as the referee indicated that he had wrapped his arms around the big striker who looked to have been backing in. That was not Gemmell’s concern though as he went on to strike straight down the centre from 12 yards.
Kilsyth responded with a fantastic opportunity after Smith slid a thirtyyard ball through for Alan McFadden to run on to, leaving him one-on-one with Stewart. He did not have much time to compose himself as the keeper was off his line quickly to block.
Cambuslang countered with a great opportunity of their own after Morton found McRobbie out on the right with a great 40-yard pass.
The ball was then cut back nicely for Dale Simeon who struck the ball high over the goal.
Cambuslang started the second half with a determination that they had lacked in the first.
Morton was beginning to get in on the action and had a decent shot from 20 yards wide saved low, before assisting for Cambuslang’s second. After a move into the Kilsyth penalty area broke down, Morton gathered 30 yards out on the wing. Instead of making a run, he immediately played a dipping ball into the penalty area for Gemmell who shifted the shape of his body to divert in at the back post.
The Lang saw the game out and withstood a couple of long range Kilsyth efforts to take all three points.
They host St Roch’s in the quarterfinal of the Sectional League Cup on Wednesday before visiting Larkhall in the league this weekend.
McColl commented: “Saturday will be difficult. Larkhall away is always a tough place to go and it’s never easy at their park.
“Obviously we have St Roch’s on Wednesday first and foremost. They have won their section and there were some good teams in there so they are obviously a good side. I think they have lost a few players from last season but also gained some so it will be interesting.”