INSIDE TODAY
Injury woes a blight on Blair juniors
Blairgowrie succumbed to a 3-0 away defeat at the hands of North Division high-flyers Kirrie Thistle on Saturday.
The loss was not made any easier when Danny Millar was taken off with an injury, with Blair’s problems in that department seeming to get worse with each passing week.
Missing were Keir Reilly, Mark Brash, Ryan Menzies, Allan Cruickshank, Gordon Pirie and Greg McDonald. Robbie Hood and James Simpson were back, however, and starting places were handed to Paul Maloney and Rudi Brown.
Trialist Stefan Brown started on the bench and he was signed after the match.
Despite the result, this was the best football Blairgowrie have played for weeks and had they been more clinical in front of goal the result may have had a different outcome.
Defensively, they had to be at their best as Kirrie have a well-earned reputation for being lethal on the attack. The opening stages of the match saw the Blair defence remain solid and the men from Davie Park were equal to their counterparts.
Gary Axworthy came close with an effort that went just over the bar and, following a good move that saw the ball spread from the left finally, Ian Plenderleith forced the Thistle keeper to make a good save.
When the home side took the lead, it was in somewhat unfortunate circumstances. A loose cross ball was headed back across goal for an easy tap in from close range.
The Blair players thought the ball had already crossed the line for a goal kick prior to the goal being scored, but the referee saw things differently and the goal stood.
Minutes before half-time, Millar suffered his injury – which left Blair to reorganise their depleted resources.
The second half saw Blairgowrie come close with efforts on goal but there was nothing conclusive forthcoming.
Kirrie added to their lead with two late goals which killed off any hopes of the away side making a comeback.
Blairgowrie: Gordon O’Brien, Steven Findlay, James Simpson, Danny Millar, Robbie Hood, Rudi Brown, Ian Plenderlieth, John Black, Gary Axworthy, Darren Neave and Paul Maloney. Sub used: Stefan Brown.
Blairgowrie are at home against Luncarty in the North Division on Saturday. Kick-off is 2.30pm.
Meanwhile, the club’s management team are hoping to make a signing during the week.
Elsewhere, this week’s berry-pickers’ weigh-in numbers were 3, 4, 6 and 8.
There were no winners, meaning the jackpot next week will be £1000.