High and lows for Lanarkshire junior sides

Apr 29 2010 by Andrew McGilvray, Hamilton Advertiser

BLANTYRE Vics leapfrogged Thorniewood into eighth spot in the Central League First Division following Monday’s 5-3 win over their derby rivals.

Thorniewood took the lead through Stephen Mullen in 10 minutes, scoring in his first game back after a long injury lay-off.

Vics replied in 15 minutes through Andrew Forrester, and stretched that lead five minutes later when Kevin Riley beat the Thorniewood keeper to a cross to head in.

Mullen struck again on the stroke of half-time to level, reacting fastest to a back-post cross, but Vics regained their lead shortly after the restart when Andy Dorrans drove through the middle, drew a defender and slipped the ball to Gary Espener on the left, who cut inside before smashing the ball into the net.

Blantyre scored again through Espener but United pulled a goal back when Ryan Macaloon brought down Stuart Little in the box and Darren Miller scored from the spot.

Macaloon was then red-carded as he was accused of directing abusive language towards the referee – a decision Vics will appeal.

As Thorniewood pushed for an equaliser Vics hit back on the counter-attack and Espener’s cross was scrambled in by Christopher Griffin in 80 minutes.

Delighted Vics boss Willie Harvey said: “It was a great victory. We played really well but lost silly goals.

“We went 2-1 up and started to control the game but then lost a bad goal.

“We've lost that goal so often and it’s the same mistakes that are costing us dearly.

“But I was pleased that we saw the game out and it means we’ve gone five games undefeated.”

Vics went into the game on the back of a 2-2 draw at Vale of Leven on Saturday, with their goals coming from Macaloon and Forrester.

Harvey’s side return the favour on Saturday by hosting Vale and were due to entertain Glasgow Perthshire last night (Wednesday).

Thorniewood co-manager John Fallon said of the derby: “It was a disaster for us defensively. I still think we need three points to be safe and hopefully we’ll get them soon because I want to rest a few players.”

His side went into Monday’s clash on the back of a 3-1 defeat at home to leaders Cumbernauld, with Phil Hughes scoring their consolation.

United were due to entertain Vale of Leven last night (Wednesday).

Lesmahagow fought out a 1-1 home draw with Cumbernauld, who were promoted as a result of the point gained on Monday.

Boss Robert Irving said: “We did very well. We were 1-0 up with 20 minutes to go and then we conceded our usual goal but that’s the best we’ve played for a wee while.

“The boys worked hard and I hope that gives them confidence going into the Port Glasgow game on Saturday.”

’Gow went into the game on the back of a 2-1 defeat by 10-man St Anthony’s, with Scott McGeachie scoring.

Larkhall Thistle take on Dunipace on Saturday, hoping to bounce back from a heavy 4-1 defeat at Port Glasgow.