Milanda returned to Inchinnan determined to set the record straight and take some revenge on Deanpark after a poor performance in a their cup visit two weeks ago. Milanda went into the game full of confidence after a stirring performance against Renfrew Town the previous week.
Milanda appear to have adopted a nice habit of scoring early and this week was no different. Murray beat half the Deanpark team as he drove down the left before finding MacKay with his cross. A poor first touch by MacKay looked as if the chance was gone but he regained his composure and placed the ball neatly into the bottom left hand corner. He could and should have had a second shortly after when escaping his marker on the edge of the box but fired past the post.
Last week's man of the match Coyle had to be replaced after he tried to play on after sustaining a neck injury in the first few minutes. His replacement Fawns slotting into his wide right position.
Milanda were well in control of the game at this point and Deanpark were a shadow of the team that played Milanda off the park two weeks previous. Binnie in the middle of the park was working tirelessly to break down the Deanpark threat. Tempers began to get a bit frayed and Milanda were reduced to 10 men when Scott Preston picked up his second booking of the game. This just helped boost the Milanda resolve and instead of retreating into defence they kept taking the game to Deanpark but although creating a number of chances they were unable to find the crucial second goal before half time.
The pattern of the first half continued in the second with Milanda making the better chances. Both Reid and MacKay had gilt edged opportunities to double Milanda’s lead and Binnie was also unlucky when he almost beat the Deanpark keeper to a through ball. The Deanpark keeper then pulled off an outstanding save from a Reid header when it looked a certain goal. Milanda were winning a succession of corners at this point and finally made it two when a low and hard driven corner from Wilson was turned into the Deanpark net after a defender’s wild swing beat his own keeper. Despite Wilson’s protestations he wasn’t going to be awarded the goal.
Milanda brought on Mackenzie for Scott and then Dunn replaced Binnie who was suffering from cramp. No sooner was Dunn on the pitch when Deanpark gave themselves a lifeline. A scramble in the penalty box wasn’t fully cleared and a neat left foot strike found the right hand side of the Milanda net. Deanpark suddenly looked the stronger team after having been outplayed for most of the game and looked as if they might steal a point. They had a great chance to bring the game level when a ball across the box fell to an unmarked striker and ‘when it looked easier to score’ (© Mark Callender) he managed to hit it against the post. A few moments later they did look to have scored the equaliser when a shot from 30 yards hit a Deanpark player on it’s way to goal but Preston somehow managed to turn the deflected shot round the post and to safety.
This was the game's last real chance and Milanda deservedly hung on to secure another three points.
A hard fought win and considering the strength sapping conditions and having to play two thirds of the game with 10 men. Another good team performance.
Website man of the match – Like last week a few staked a genuine claim. Scott Grant at the back despite trying to lose all the balls by kicking them into the hedges let little by him. Andy Scott was quietly effective and put in a couple of great tackles. This week's award though is going to Jim Binnie for his tireless performance in midfield that eventually led to him getting cramp. Although he picked up a booking he was a constant thorn in Deanpark’s side.