Late goal seals win for Cambusbarron
RHU ........................................................ 2 CAMBUSBARRON ROVERS .............. 4
Rovers picked up all three points to maintain their lead at the top of Caledonian League Division 1 but Rhu made life difficult throughout for them.
The small tight Dunbartonshire pitch was soft which meant a change to the Rovers usual formation and they almost had a dream start when Adam Hamilton ran through in the opening minute only to shoot over.
Top scorer Chris Hendry had an identical chance in the 14th minute but he also failed to capitalise.
Rhu’s first real chance came shortyl after when Rovers; keeper Calum Gray made a smart save from a header. But they went in front a minute later after good play down the right and the ball was cut back to their striker to score.
Cambusbarron equalised in the 22nd minut when Mark McDowell’s cross from wide was met by Hamilton who shot home. Hendry then set up Hamilton in the 39th minute for a tap in to put the Rovers in front.
Rhu equalised just on half time but three minutes into the second half Rovers were back in front when Hendry’s cross from the left was headed into the Rhu net by their centre back for an unfortunate own goal.
Hamilton then pulled a shot wide when clean throough but was then injured and replaced by Sandro DeLuca. Then Louis Waters was ordered off for a foul with 20 minutes remaining which gave Rhu a fresh impetus but the closest they came was a shot which was blocked for a corner.
The visitors’10 men started to manage the game better and got forward on various occasions. Hendry forced a good save by Rhu’s keeper after he ran on to a great pass by Kyle Allison. Then with five minutes remaining the points were sealed following a free kick from the left by Owen Smith which fell perfectly for Sandro DeLuca and he fired home.
On Saturday, Rovers travel the short distance to fellow Caledonian League side Dunblane SC in the second round of the East of Scotland Cup. The game is on the 3G surface at Dunblane High School with a 2pm kick off.