Match Report - SPORTSMANS CLUB FC - 19 Jan 2019

*** Tbooth unlucky to exit NOS Cup ***

Sportsmans Club 2-1 Tolbooth

Chapman, Buchan, Hay, Petrie, Murray, Riley (MacLeod), Paterson, Glennie (Michie), Rattray (MacSween), Sean Keith, Shand

Shand ??

Arjo Wiggins Stoneywood Park passed a pitch inspection as Tolbooth travelled to face Premier League leaders and current North of Scotland Cup holders Sportmans Club. MacSween came into the squad for the first time after signing last week and MacLeod out of retirement to counter a lengthy unavailable list that included Fuller, Bain, Mckinnon, A. Paterson, Scott Keith, Smith, Grant, Simpson and Mearns.

The hosts started brightly with the bulk of possession, creating an early chance but Chapman blocked a close range free header. On 5 minutes, the home side were awarded a penalty when Buchan clipped the winger inside the box, but the striker fired over from 12 yards to keep the score at 0-0. Tolbooth soon settled and started to look dangerous on the counter, creating their best chance of the first half when the unmarked Petrie fired straight at tbe goalkeeper following a set piece. Minutes later, the home side struck taking the lead after a nice move into the Tolbooth box, was followed by a cut back and finish into the roof of the net from the edge of the box. Score at HT 1-0.

Tolbooth withstood early Sportmans pressure in the second half, but continued to look a threat on the counter. On 60 minutes, the equaliser arrived when Shand was fouled in the home side's box. The Tolbooth Number 9 stepped up and placed the ball beyond the diving goalkeeper to make it 1-1. This sparked a Sportsmans reaction, but Tolbooth continued to defend well. Petrie cleared off the line after a box scramble, before Chapman produced a fine one handed save to turn the ball round the post. On 70 minutes, Sportsmans regained the lead when they were awarded their second penalty of the day. This time they made no mistake from 12 yards, sending Chapman the wrong way to make it 2-1. Not disheartended, Tolbooth were unlucky to not pull level when Sean Keith's free kick found Petrie who unfortunately headed straight at the goalkeeper from close range. The final stages produced opportunities for both sides, with Tolbooth continuing to push right up to the final whistle. In the dying minutes Shand's excellent header was palmed round the post by the goalkeeper to ensure Sportsmans progress to the next round.

MOTM: Paterson

Can't fault the lads effort, passion and performance today. On another day we could have even forced a replay. All the best to Sportsmans for the rest of the season in League & Cup Competitions. We will take the many positives gained from facing a top side & move onto the next! ?????

#uptheTbooth