ac milanda afc

AC Milanda 2 Bellahouston 2 - Mount Vernon Park, Mount Vernon

Over the piece few would argue that a draw was a fair result after a competitive but sporting 90 mins. The last time these two teams met was in final of the Referee’s Cup in 2003 when Milanda fought back from 3-0 down to win 6-3 in extra time. This encounter was equally as tough and played in heavy underfoot conditions after a night of torrential rain. Milanda welcomed back Paul Murray into the starting line-up. Murray’s last game for Milanda was in the aforementioned Cup Final where he was been voted man of the match and has now returned looking to stake a permanent place in the Milanda team. Milanda adopted a 3-5-2 formation with Addison and Wilson taking up the wingback roles.

The early part of the game saw both teams cancelling each other out with nothing of note happening in either goalmouth. Defences were on top and a congested midfield saw little in the way of creative play. As the first half wore on Milanda started to take the initiative and put Bellahouston under some pressure, mainly from set pieces and dead ball situations. It was from a series of throw ins that Milanda broke the deadlock. A long throw from Fawns was knocked out of play by a Bellahouston defender in line with his penalty box. A sleeping Bellahouston defence were caught out by a quick throw from Murray that found Williamson who steered his header over the Bellahouston keeper’s outstretched hand. Milanda took confidence from this and were 2 up inside 5 mins when another throw in found Murray who played a quick pass inside to Fitzpatrick who took it in his stride before finding the corner with a shot from just inside the box.

Milanda were now in control and threatened to score a third as Bellahouston were being stretched down both flanks. A swift passing move gave Reid a chance to hit the byeline after being released by Murray. Fitzpatrick was already picking his spot when the Bellahouston keeper got enough of a touch on it to take it away from his head. Williamson then misjudged the clearance as it fell to him at the back post and the chance was lost.

Milanda were to regret not taking this chance as Bellahouston hauled themselves back in to the game against the run of play. Milanda failed to clear their lines effectively and from the resultant throw in a 25 yard volley caught out Harper in the Milanda goal. The pressure was now on Milanda as Bellahouston looked for the equaliser but steady defending from Early and Fawns saw Milanda end the half in front.

Second half saw Bellahouston continue on the offensive and they had a number of chances to equalise that they couldn’t convert. Milanda just couldn’t keep possession though and it was no surprise when Bellahouston did finally get the equaliser. A loose ball in the box found a Bellahouston forward and his shot was deflected on its way in to the net. The game really opened up after this and it’s hard to believe the scoring was finished considering the amount of chances created at both ends.

Bellahouston hit a post, then had a great chance when a mix up between Early and Harper looked to have gifted them a goal but a fantastic last ditch tackle by Fawns kept the scores level. Milanda meanwhile were creating their fair share of chances. A header by Reid hit the bar and Fitzpatrick couldn’t quite reach the rebound. The Bellahouston keeper then had a superb double save when he saved a Reid shot and then scooped away the rebound before Williamson could pounce. Milanda threatened from nearly every corner and throw in but just didn’t get any luck in the Bellahouston box as flick ons and knockdowns were crying out for a final killer touch but just couldn’t be converted. Milanda had a strong claim for a penalty when a Bellahouston hand knocked away another long throw in but it wasn’t given and in the end the points were shared.

In the end a draw was fair result although either side could have won it in the second half. If Milanda had held on to their 2 goal lead for a little longer things might have been different but again paid the penalty for not clearing their lines.

Man of the match – Collectively the team are beginning to find their form but a few players have been putting in solid performances since the start of the season including Early, Reid and Fitzpatrick. Paul Murray also played well on his Milanda comeback but this week’s man of the match award goes to Craig Fawns who has formed a good relationship at the back with Early and his goal saving tackle was the highlight of an impressive performance.