Match Report - LADS CLUB - 02 Sep 2017

Tolbooth hosted the unbeaten Lads Club in the league at Hazelhead. From last weekend's Barclay Cook Cup victory over BSFC, the Tbooth made one change with captain Smith returning for the unavailable Buchan at right back.

Just like previous weeks Tolbooth started very brightly, particularly with Sean Keith, Mearns and Shand creating a number of early chances and a succession of corners. The deadlock was broken on 21 minutes, Shand broke free and squared to strike partner Mearns who finished from close range at the second attempt. Minutes later the away side equalised. Tolbooth got themselves in a mess defensively, allowing the Lads Club player to cut the ball back from the byline and a simply finish from 6 yards out. All square. The unphased Tolbooth reacted and on 31 minutes retook the lead. Shand released Sean Keith who showed great composure to roll the ball into the bottom corner. Tolbooth continued to press and on 40 minutes it was 3-1, Shand raced clear and despite his initial effort blocked by the diving goalkeeper, he was on hand to head home from close range. 3-1 at HT.

Into the second half the away side started well putting Tolbooth under pressure, who still looked dangerous on the break themselves. On 60 minutes Lads Club pulled a goal back, a cross ball deflected off a Tbooth boot and spun through the grasp of Chapman, setting up a nervous last half hour with the vistors belief returning. A few half chances followed, but fortuantly Tolbooth defended well and cleared their lines when required. On 72 minutes Murray's pass left Shand in the clear who rounded the goalkeeper and rolled into the empty net, regaining the 2 goal cushion. On 78 minutes substitute MacLeod put the game beyond doubt, when the impressive Sean Keith cut in from the left hand side and squared to MacLeod who smashed in from close range to open his account for the season. In the 86th minute, the second Shand-trick in successive weeks arrived, Simpson's lung busting run from the middle of park broke the Tbooth clear and Shand finished the move to make the score 6-2.

Great win for the Tolbooth against a strong Lads Club side.