A tricky semi final against old foes was made even trickier with the shotage off defenders Lochar had at there disposal, so it was a rare defensive start for midfielder Davie Patterson while Ross Woodward took up the no 8 shirt in midfield. Games between these two rivals are always close and it was no surprise that only one goal separated the sides at the end.
Lochar who are normally quick out the traps were this time caught on the back foot as the game was played at a blistering pace with Max playing there normal long ball tactic which was missing the normally dominant Lochar midfield out. It came as no surprise that Max took the lead when a suicidal Chambers pass to Patterson was intercepted by Halliday who ran trough and found the net from 12 yards, the same player should've increased the lead 5 minutes later when clean through but the ball was stuck in his feet. This gave Lochar the rollocking that was needed and they picked the game by the scruff off the neck and scored twice in 4 minutes. The first coming from a looping McGauchie cross which was well directed into the net by farmer John Howie. The second and winning goal came when a Jim Brown 35 yard free kick bounced awkwardly in front of Purdie and Dempster was quickest to react to the fumble to knock across goal to the awaiting Jardine to nod home.
Hal Time:- Lochar Th 2-1 Max Th
Lochar got to grips much better after the restart, knocking the ball about as Max chased shadows for the early part off the half. The third goal did elude Lochar though as McGauchie cracked the bar and both Brown and Jardine both went close. Kennedy had a glorious chance to take the game to penalties but he sclaffed at his shot with the goal at his mercy.
Full Time:- Lochar Th 2-1 Max Th
Ref:- J. McEwan
Manager's Comments:- Struggled badly for first 20-25 minutes before we came into the game, it's always hard against Max as they play long balls regularly and not much football gets played and everything is rushed. Lack of defensive duties cost the goal as big Davie hesitated but the big gut was in filling in at the back so can't be too critical. Our passing was worst it has been in a long time, with players not crisp with passes, not looking when passing and also trying to play wonder passes when easy ball is on. Not the best performance but got another final to look forward to but will need to play a lot better to win silverware this season.