Neilston 2-1 Cambuslang
Rangers
Abercorn Builders
Premier Division
Saturday 23rd March
At Brig O'lea Stadium,
Neilston
Cambuslang Rangers relinquished top spot in the Premier League
after a poor display saw them go down by 2 goals to one against Neilston on
Saturday. It was a disappointing match for the visitors who missed too many
chances during the 90 minutes. The Lang's push for a top 6 finish was made that
bit more difficult after this recent set back.
Cambuslang welcomed back Gary Robertson who missed last week
through injury, keeper Wardlaw had also recovered from injury that saw him
taken off at half time in the last match. Still missing though were, Mark
Daisley and Gary McGregor.
The visitors started well enough and went on the attack but as the
move broke down they were hit on the counter attack and Neilston's quick
forwards left the Lang defence in their wake. McQuade cut inside Doak but put
his effort wide of the post. Cambuslang went close through Holmes who fired
just wide form Gauley's pass. Wardlaw made his first stop of the day when he
easily saved McQuade's effort. The home side were forced into a change on 25
minutes when Waddell replaced Hoy. Cambuslang were still creating all the
chances but were failing to convert any of them and this was to cost them
dearly on 35 minutes. The home side took the lead totally against the run of
play when McQude fired home at the back post after a mistake by Lang defender
Jim Kavanagh, he failed to head clear the danger allowing Smith the space to
cross for McQuade. The home side could have doubled their lead only a minute
later. Another mistake by Kavanagh allowed Lee in but Lang keeper Wardlaw saved
his centre half's blushes with a fine stop. Cambuslang's Robertson fired in a
free kick that went narrowly wide of the post.
H-T 1-0
Neilston started the half with there tails up and almost scored
with there first attack of the half, but Hoy fired just wide of the far post.
Lang's Balmain went close with a shot from 20 yards. The home side grabbed a
second in bizarre circumstances. Doak's attempted clearance ricochet off a
Neilston forward and flashed past Wardlaw who knew little about it. Try as
Cambuslang did they just couldn't find away past the Neilston defence. Holmes,
Balmain and Gauley all had efforts either saved or blocked as Cambuslang
stepped up a gear in an attempt to get back in the game. Maxwell replaced
the hard working Gilhaney on 65 minutes. The home side should have killed the
game off on 70 minutes when Hoy found himself with only the keeper to beat but
Wardlaw once again came to his sides rescue. Cambuslang then replaced Paterson
with Earlie. Holmes then flashed another effort wide of the post after good
work by Gauley. The referee had went 80 minutes without showing any yellow cards
and he then produced it 3 times in quick succession. Neilston sub Wilson was
first for a foul on Lang's Taylor and he was quickly followed Carson for the
home side. Lang's Taylor was then cautioned for a rash tackle. Neilston then
missed another glorious chance to kill off the Lang but his effort came back
off the post. With 2 minutes remaining Cambuslang pulled a goal back through
Balmain his header ending up in the back of the net to set up a nervy
finish but Cambuslang couldn't get a second and the home side held on a for a
vital 3 points.
Lang Wardlaw, Doak, Taylor, Kavanagh, Robertson, Richardson,
Paterson (Earlie 70), Balmain, Holmes, Gauley& Gilhaney (Maxwell 65)
Subs not used McDougall, Watson,