Cambuslang Rangers 2-0
Maryhill
Abercorn Builders
Premier League
Saturday 2nd March 2002
At Somervell Park
Cambuslang Rangers kept there position at the top of the Premier
League with a hard fought victory over one of the Favourites to lift the title,
Maryhill, at Somervell on Saturday. The victory though came at a price
when they lost both Devanney and Gauley during the game through injury. it is
not yet known if both face some time on the sidelines. This was a sleeves up
and get stuck in performance that saw them win by 2 goals to nil. Despite
sustained pressure from the visitors they just couldn't find away past a
solid Cambuslang back line and a keeper very much in form at the moment.
Although the home side road there luck on a number of occasions they still
managed to take the three points and go 4 points clear at the top although
teams to have a game in hand.
Manager Andy Cunningham was forced into a change when Kenny
Balmain was declared unfit. Damian Devanney took his place. There was no John
Mitchell after he was placed on the transfer list after reacting to being
substituted in the cup defeat by Ashfield.
Maryhill were quick out the starting blocks and indeed almost took
the lead with their first attack of the game. McAllister being the unlucky
player who's shot came crashing back off the post after a thunderous drive had
beaten Wardlaw. Efforts from Carberry and Sherry failed to trouble Wardlaw
after good work by the Hill midfield. The homeside first real effort at goal
came after 15 minutes when Gauley saw his header fisted clear of goal. Against
the run of play it was Cambuslang who opened the scoring. Some good play in the
area from Daisley and he played the ball to Holmes who sidestepped the Hill
defence before despatching his shot into the net past the Maryhill keeper. A
minute later and Maryhill were back on the attack but Gallagher headed narrowly
over. Cambuslang had to thank keeper Wardlaw for keeping them in front on the
half hour mark. Smith was in on goal but the keeper stood up long enough to get
a vital touch on the lob to block it. Cambuslang then lost Devanney after he
went down under the challenge of Carberry, the follow through doing the damage.
Maxwell came on to replace the injured Lang midfielder. Daisley had a half chance
but he pulled his effort just wide of the post after some nice footwork in the
box. Carberry was the first player to be shown a yellow card for a foul on
Richardson. Gauley closely followed him for speaking out of turn. Maryhill
almost took the lead with 5 minutes of the half remaining. McCusker's free kick
looked to be sneaking in at the near post but a last gasp dive by Wardlaw who
tipped the ball round the post. From the resulting corner Maryhill then rattled
the bar through Nelson. Cambuslang defence held out for an interval lead.
H-T 1-0
It was a slow start to the second half with neither team really
threatening. McGregor required treatment for a knock from McAllister then
Cambuslang were dealt another blow when they lost Stuart Gauley with a calf
strain, Stewart Taylor replaced him. Lang keeper Wardlaw then produced
another fine stop this time from Smith. The visitors then made a double change
in an attempt to grab an equaliser. Johnston and Hamill replaced Miller and
Smith.
With 10 minutes remaining Cambuslang replaced scorer Billy Holmes
with 17 year old Mark Gilhaney and what a changed it turned out to be. With the
young lads first touch of the ball he had scored the Lang's all important 2nd
and seal the win for the homeside. He latched onto a long ball from defence,
took one touch before firing in an unstoppable shot that the Maryhill keeper
had a cheek to dive for. The ball rattled the back of the net and sparked wild
celebrations amongst both players and fans. The visitors tried to rally but to
no avail and the Lang held on for a hard fought but vital 3 points.
Line ups.
Cambuslang
Wardlaw, Doak, McGregor, Kavanagh, Robertson, Richardson, Devanney
(Maxwell 35) Gauley (Taylor 60) Daisley, Holmes (Gilhaney) & Paterson
Subs not used Watson, Dunn
Maryhill
Black, Miller, Meldrum, Watson, Gallagher, Nelson, McCusker,
McAllister, Smith, Carberry & Sherry
Subs from Hughes, Melvin, McDonald, Hamill Johnston