FINISHING THE YEAR ON A HIGH
Bruce bags a hat-trick as youngsters ease to away win
Crieff Juniors FC’s 2008 side ended the year on the front foot following a 5- 3 away win against Breadalbane.
The visitors to Aberfeldy’s Home Park had the better of the early exchanges on a surface which was heavy underfoot but in great condition.
Bruce and Taylor both hit the woodwork for the Strath capital side during the promising opening period and Condie then had a great chance in front of goal which was ballooned over the bar.
Crieff were made to pay when a quick break left the Breadalbane striker through on goal and he poked his shot past Cameron and into the net.
Despite the setback, the host’s lead only lasted two minutes as a good Crieff passing move saw McKell feed Bruce who ran on to score from 15 yards.
With the scores level at the break, a half- time formation change meant Crieff had a better grip of midfield at the start of the second half.
And this soon paid dividends when Dodd played in Bruce who coolly finished high into the net two minutes after the action got back under way.
The extra midfield man gave licence for runners and Sherwood put Crieff two goals up after good build-up play through the middle.
Dodd then made it 4-1 with a neat finish and Bruce completed his hat-trick in the 64th minute with a cracking chip over the advancing goalkeeper.
Crieff switched off a bit in the last few minutes s and Breadalbane took full ull advantage.
The Hi g h l a n d Perthshire lads scored twice to bring it back to 5-3, with Crieff glad to hear the final whistle.
Fraser Johnston was praised for his first- half h lf performance, while Isaac McGregor once again impressed and Lomond Taylor looked back to his tricky best in spells.
Alex Bruce was given the Crieff man of the match award following his hat-trick.
The win leaves the side on 27 points from a possible 30.
Crieff Financial & Mortgage Centre Ltd and Scott Cramb Constr Construction were once agai again thanked for their su support.
The club is awaiting an update from the football authorities in relation to the continuation of fixtures in the new year following the most recent announcement from the Scottish Government that all communities on the mainland will be entering level four of coronavirus restrictions from Boxing Day.