Roselea were back in league business against Aberdeen East End, and with the sides level on points it was all to play for.
Roselea line up: K. McCormack (Watson 84), Stephen, Reoch, Edgar, J. McCormack, Doan, Beedie, McDonald, Thomson, Greig (Burgoyne 90), Mitchell (Bailey 78). Substitutes: Robertson, Davidson, Bailey, Burgoyne, Watson.
On a surface that was very bobbly this was always shaping up to be a game that was more about avoiding mistakes rather than playing silky football. The home side made the first chance of the game when Reoch mishit a clearance and the ball fell to Mackie who raced towards goal before sending a shot into the side netting. Roselea opened the scoring in 9 minutes when after a goalmouth scramble, Mitchell headed towards the bye line on the right and fired a low cross into the near post which WHYTE could only steer into his own net. A minute later the visitors should have doubled there lead when Mitchell once again headed towards the right bye line before squaring the ball to Thomson but with the goal at his mercy, he fired over from 6 yards. East End were back on level terms on 24 minutes when a long ball was played to Hendry on the right edge of the box who then beat his man and squared to CAI MATTHEW who had the simple task of tapping home from 6 yards. Roselea again went ahead 5 minutes before the break with a great free kick. Mitchell floated a great ball into the penalty spot from the left and KEIRAN THOMSON timed his run brilliantly to bullet a header into the bottom corner from 10 yards.
HT 1-2
After a cagey start to the 2nd half by both teams Roselea extended their lead in 61 minutes. Stephen played a long ball through the middle which KEIRAN THOMSON did well to control and hold off a defender before advancing on goal and poking beyond the advancing keeper from 15 yards into the net. Thomson came close to getting his hat trick when Mitchell and Greig combined well before playing Thomson in but his shot from just inside the box went into the side netting. Mitchell then swung in a corner from the right and Edgar headed towards the top corner which home keeper Ellis somehow managed to tip over the bar. The home side reduced the leeway on 81 minutes when CLARK SHARP received the ball inside the box on the right before beating 2 defenders and slotting past McCormack. The goal was disastrous for the visitors as McCormack broke a finger in the process and had to be replaced by player/manager Eric Watson. Despite not having a recognised keeper in goal and McDonald being sent off for dissent, Roselea hung on comfortably for the win.
On a difficult pitch Roselea certainly got the tactics right and over the piece were deserved winners. League action resumes next week with a long trip to Nairn St Ninian at Showfield Park - KO 2.00pm.
Latest League Table - https://www.scottishjuniorfa.com/north-region/mcbookie-league-tables/