Booth Off To A Slow Start

Tolbooth failed to get off to a positive start with a disappointing 1-0 defeat away to Great Western. Last season's top goal scorer Shand, fellow striker Mearns, winger MacLeod, defender M. Smith and recent signing Hay were unavailable. While Riley and Gray missed out through injury. Petrie made his competitive debut.

Tolbooth started slowly in a first half of very few chances created by either side. Simpson did force the GWU goalkeeper into a good save after a strike from the edge of the box and Scott Keith headed over from a corner late in the half. It was 0-0 at the interval.

Into the second half and the home side took the lead on 52 minutes perhaps a little against the run of play. Tolbooth failed to put any pressure on the GWU winger after a quick throw, then an inswinging cross struck the back post and the rebound was headed in from close range. Tolbooth reshuffled in an attempt to force the equaliser, but squandered the chances they did create and failed to capatisle on some good deliveries into the box. Also credit to Great Western United who worked tirelessly and defended superbly throughout, for that deserve the 3 points on the day.

Tolbooth huffed and puffed, but struggled to get anywhere near the level expected or shown throughout pre-season. Still plenty of games to put things right! Roll on the next fixture.