BLAIR LOSING STREAK ENDS
Mackay’s men secure home point with positive display
Blairgowrie were disappointed not to take all three points against East Craigie on Saturday.
But manager Billy Mackay would have been delighted with the pace, intensity and determination that his side showed – and the fact the draw brought a run of three consecutive defeats to an end.
Roared on by a good crowd at Davie Park, the home side totally dominated the first half but went in at the interval a goal down.
Forward Allan Cruickshank was denied by the tightest of offside decisions as Blair pressed.
This was followed by a great move involving John Black and Darren Neave, which led to a fine angled volley from Cruickshank which was beaten away by the Craigie ‘keeper.
He was called into action again with saves from Cruickshank and James Simpson, while a number of crosses tested the visitors’ defence.
Craigie were making little or no impression but, after 40 minutes, they broke away to score with a well-taken goal.
This was frustrating for Blairgowrie but, after half-time, they continued to press with Rudi Brown’s direct play causing problems.
Steven Findlay blazed just over the crossbar and Gordon Pirie saw a shot saved, while Craigie were managing to mount a few attacks of their own.
Blair finally equalised after 65 minutes. With the Shipbuilders’ defence all at sea, Findlay cut the ball back from the bye-line across goal where it was turned in by a Craigie defender.
There was consternation soon afterwards when Findlay was clipped by the ‘keeper in the process of attempting to go around them.
The referee played advantage but the ball ran narrowly wide and appeals for the penalty were turned down, to the dismay of the home support.
Craigie tried to capitalise on this break, but their efforts were off target or comfortably saved by Gordon O’Brien.
Cruickshank almost had the last word for Blair but his header was hacked off the line.
This Saturday, Blairgowrie are at home to Whitburn in the third round of the East of Scotland Cup. Kick-off is at 2.30pm.
Keir Reilly, Robbie Hood, Mark Brash, Stewart Nicoll, Ian Plenderleith and Paul Maloney were all missing against East Craigie but it is hoped at least some of them will be available for this week’s fixture.
Whitburn are one of Scotland’s top junior clubs, winning the Scottish Junior Cup as recently as 2000.
They currently play in the East Premier League.
Supporters are advised that admission fees for the East of Scotland Cup are £6 for adults and £3 for concessions.
This week’s Blairgowrie Juniors berrypickers’ lottery numbers were 9, 10, 11 and 19.
There were no winners. The prize money will be £750 next week.