BLAIRBLOW ITASVIOLET VICTORIOUS
Brash’smenmisshostofchancestosealwin
Blairgowrie bowed out of the Quest Engineering Cup after a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Dundee Violet on Saturday.
It was a case of deja vu for Mark Brash’s men as the east Perthshire side should have been out of sight in an opening half hour during which they totally dominated and missed a host of chances.
Blair threatened to overrun Violet in the opening stages as Ruari Henry was causing havoc on the right. The visitors had the chance to take the lead when they were awarded a penalty after Henry was chopped down in the box.
However, the spot kick sailed over the crossbar and the score remained 0-0.
A brilliant run shortly afterwards by a re-energised Ian Plenderleith set up Gary Axworthy, who fired off target and Darren Neave was crowded out at the last minute.
Violet could scarcely get out of their own half, let alone threaten the Blair goal, but they took the lead when a spectacular drive from 25 yards out found the roof of the net.
It was a goal that could not have been more against the run of play at the time.
The second-half followed the same pattern, but now Blair were the team struggling to make clear chances.
A Cammy McManus drive from a tight angle was fortuitously half-saved, with the ball running agonisingly along the home goal line.
Violet added a second goal with a breakaway following a loss of possession in midfield.
And, although there was still 20 minutes left or normal time, it was hard to see a way back for
Blairgowrie.
McManus drove wide, but by now Violet had grown in confidence and were looking comfortable.
Violet added a third strike in injury time to complete another hard day for a Blair side who contrived to be authors of their own misfortune yet again.
Blairgowrie: Johnstone, Scott, Beedie, Simpson, Plenderleith; Henry, McPherson, Law, Axworthy; Neave, McManus. Subs used: Norrie, Rollo, Middleton.
Meanwhile, Blairgowrie have made two new signings to bolster
their injury-depleted squad, both of whom are former players.
Forward Gordon Norrie has joined from Tayport on loan and defender, while Callum Rollo has signed following a spell abroad.
Blairgowrie travel to play Forfar United – formerly Forfar Albion – in the Midlands League from 2.30pm on Saturday.
Elsewhere, work is under way on the refurbishment of the stand at Davie Park.
This is due to finish in the next two weeks, prior to the laying of the artificial 3G pitch which starts at the end of this month.