Eastfield draw on comeback

Jan 27 2010 by Kenny Smith, Rutherglen Reformer

AN EQUALISING goal in the 95th minute put paid to Eastfield collecting all three points from this league encounter with Kilsyth and first game of the new year given the recent adverse weather.

It was all the harder to take as it was an OG from Paul McLaughlin who had not put a foot wrong all game and who was a contender for man of the match. As United defended a corner, the ball somehow, came off the head of the big defender and agonisingly into the net.

It was cruel blow as United had twice led in the game and looked to have done enough to earn the victory. United went ahead in 20 minutes when a Thomas McMenamin corner was met by Willie McElholm who guided his shot home.

With both teams having not played for over six weeks it was evident that the sharpness and cutting edge was missing but nevertheless the players gave a good account of themselves.

Willie (Cafu) McBride, was causing the Kilsyth defence problems with his surging runs on the right and Jim Magennis and Willie McElholm had chances from these that the keeper did well to save.

Jamie McGall, the United keeper was called into action in 29 minutes when he raced from his goal to make an excellent block.

Kevin McGarvie showed nice skill when he chested the ball down and beat two defenders before laying the ball into McBride whose cross brought out another save from the keeper.

But in 35 minutes, Kilsyth drew level when number 10 Scott Cochrane raced through and clipped the ball over the keeper for a fine finish.

This knocked United off their stride and they were lucky not to fall behind when the same player missed from only 10 yards just before half-time.

Eastfield started the second half with much more determination and with three players out through suspension the new looking midfield well-led by Steven Mackay began to take control.

With Paul McLauglin and Craig Calderwood looking solid in the centre of defence it was United who were pressing forward.

United made changes with Colin Henry coming on for Kevin McGarvie and shortly after Kevin Barkie coming on for Willie McElholm.

A few minute later, United almost scored when Paul McLaughlin surged forward and his cross found the head of Steven Mackay who set up a chance for Jim Magennis but his effort just sailed by.

Shortly after Graeme Stewart was called into action as United used their full quota of players to freshen things up.

In 70 minutes, Eastfield took the lead with an exquisite goal from Thomas McMenamin, when from 25 yards out, he controlled the ball and guided his looping shot over the keeper.

Five minutes later, Eastfield suffered a blow when Alex Smith was carried off with an ankle injury leaving United with 10 men. It was later to emerge after the game that he suffered a broken ankle.

United continued to press forward and defender, George Taylor put in a deep cross that was well saved by the keeper.

But with United down to 10 men and the referee adding on five minutes of injury time it was the cruellest blow that gave Kilsyth a point.

There was no doubting the efforts of all players and the game was played in a good spirit with cards shown.

With the sad news of the serious injury to Alex Smith filtering through after the game everyone wishes the player a speedy and full recovery.

Team: McGall, McBride, Calderwood, Taylor, McLaughlin, McGarvie, Mackay, Smith, McMenamin, McElholm, Magennis. Subs: Stewart, Brady, Owens, Barkie, Henry.

Next week United are away on league business to Campsie Minerva.