Tarbert return with well-deserved points

Tarbert AFC made the long journey to Wishaw Sports Centre on Saturday to take on Craigneuk FC in a league game.

Stand-in coach Bruce MacNab didn’t have his problems to seek with only 12 players from a possible 30 available for this match. However, the fight and desire from all those involved, something sadly missing of late, was a joy to behold and the J&C Prentice Shellfish Ltd-sponsored side returned home with a much-needed three points to boost moral as much as anything.

The Dookers were on the front foot from the start, with fine efforts on goal from Casci, Hamlin and Prentice troubling the home goalkeeper. It was no surprise when Tarbert took the lead on 25 minutes when neat interplay in midfield saw Casci take off, dancing his way past four desperate challenges to fire an unstoppable shot into the net.

With the youngsters taking onboard all instructions from captain McIver and senior player James Prentice, they coped well with the intimidating tactics of the opposition. In defence Campbell, Stewart and MacNab got stuck into some meaty challenges, backed up by Finn Scott in goals, who made an excellent save just before half time.

The home side drew level five minutes into the second half when the Tarbert defence got caught out with a high bouncing ball off the 3G surface.

Undeterred the boys got into their rhythm again and were soon ahead when neat interlinked play between Casci and Prentice saw debutant Bryce Harvey slot the ball in off the post to make the score 2-1.

They soon made it three when youngster John McTaggart’s driving run allowed Casci in for his second of the afternoon. The home mounted several attacks, but Scott in goal was up to everything that was thrown at him.

Tarbert kept pressing for further goals but couldn’t add to their tally.

This Saturday Tarbert are at home to much tougher competition, Clydebank. Kick-off is at 2pm at Cil Andreis.