BLAIR JUST TOO STRONG
Spectators back for derby win against Coupar Angus
A good crowd of spectators watched as Blairgowrie beat local rivals Coupar Angus 3-1 on Saturday.
The sun shone during what was a hard-fought friendly at Davie Park.
Visiting side Coupar started brightly, forcing a good save from Cammy Johnstone in the Blair goal.
Gradually the hosts came into the match and took the lead after 10 minutes when Gary Axworthy played a clever through pass to Darren Neave, who guided the ball into the net from 12 yards.
Brilliant individual play by Neave almost made it 2-0, but he was denied by an excellent save.
Callum Walls added a second goal for Blairgowrie with a closerange finish following a good build up as Mark Brash’s side took control of the game, finishing the first half
strongly.
The second half started in the same vein, with Blair on the attack, but the tide soon turned with Coupar Angus enjoying their best spell of the match.
It was no surprise when the visitors were rewarded with a goal, when a free-kick on the right was
nodded in at the far post by Jamie Duncan with 58 minutes played.
Blairgowrie were now under some pressure, but they finished the match on top.
A James Simpson header was one of two efforts cleared off the Coupar goal line, Cammy McManus headed wide, and an
Axworthy drive was brilliantly tipped over the bar.
With three minutes left on the clock, Axworthy scored with a shot from outside the penalty area to seal the victory.
The weekend win was Blair’s second success in a week as the side overcame Monifieth 8-1 in a home friendly on Thursday.
The match was given added significance as it was first home match in front of spectators since February 2020.
Opponents Monifieth were a youthful side who played some excellent football, but Blairgowrie’s experience, pace and fitness told in the end.
Matty Adam scored a hat-trick, while Axworthy and Neave each netted a brace and McManus also got himself on the scoresheet.
Blairgowrie have no friendlies scheduled for this week.