Late strike from Josh nets a win
Grove forward in scoring form
It has been a productive week for Strathearn Grove.
On Tuesday evening the Crieff men welcomed Pole Team to Braidhaugh Park for a Presidents Cup clash and recorded a narrow 3-2 triumph.
Kros Brown put the home team in front with a superb touch and dribble to fire past the keeper from a great ball through from Dave McKay.
But the lead did not last too long when Grove switched off. A quick one- two through the midfield, followed by a left-footed wonder strike from the Pole midfielder, made it all square.
It was a blow for the Strath squad but they nudged ahead again when forward pair Josh Roberts and Brown combined for the latter, the club’s top goalscorer, to fire home.
The Grove did not start the second half well but had control of the game until a free header at the back post from a corner allowed the visitors to draw level at 2-2.
With 15 minutes to go a slack back- pass from a Pole Team midfielder allowed Roberts to run through on goal before playing the ball over the keeper. It proved to be the winner.
On Saturday Grove secured a comfortable 6-2 Division Three victory against Meigle.
They took a little time to settle, with early exchanges taking place in the middle of the park, but the deadlock was broken when Cal Fraser latched on to a Brown pass before firing into the corner of the net.
That proved to be the only goal of the first half but there was to be plenty more action for the Crieff faithful after the break.
There was more positivity to Grove’s play and quick- fire goals from Brown and then Roberts provided some breathing space.
The hosts were restricted to limited opportunities, thanks to a strong defensive performance from captain Connor Stewart, Sean Fender, Joe Titterington and Ross Cramb.
But they did net from a scrappy free-kick to reduce the deficit.
Brown quickly scored his second of the game before Roberts also grabbed a brace.
Jamie McInally came off the bench to score a tap-in and pile further misery on Meigle, who scored a late consolation.
Stratheran Grove are at home to Tay Thistle in the Consolation Cup on Saturday. Kick-off is 1.30pm.