Milanda finally reached top spot in the league after seeing off a dogged Pursuers fightback. For the second time in two weeks Milanda had a chance to go top with Club Athletic idle this week. Although CA have games in hand it's good to see Milanda top of the pile at least for a short time. They did make hard work of it though as Pursuers made them fight all the way.
Milanda took a while to get going in this game and had the wood work and Walker to thank for not going behind early on. A cross into the box found a Pursuer forward all alone at the back post but Walker was quickly out to close him down and his shot came back off the post. A big let off for Milanda but Pursuers continued to press and Milanda were looking unsure of themselves until nerves were calmed when Milanda scored against the run of play. A poor kick out was collected by Early and he played a short pass to Coyle who tried to flick it through for Reid. A Pursuers defender managed to intercept and tried to turn it back to his keeper but was short and Reid had continued his run and touched it past the keeper into the corner.
That should have calmed Milanda down but they continued to be second to every ball and Pursuers hit back with a deserved equaliser after another long ball caught the defence square and this time Walker had no chance form close range. This finally kicked Milanda into life and they began to find their rhythm with Early, Murray and McColgan starting to control the midfield. Milanda regained the lead when Coyle broke in from the right and hit a low cross that deceived the keeper and ended up in the net (and this week I'm sure it was Coyle). Goal number three quickly followed and it was trademark Milanda. A long throw from Murray found Dunn and his header found the corner of the net. Goal of the game was next up when Murray bamboozled the Pursuers defence and waltzed round five of them before finding the bottom right hand corner of the net with a low left foot drive. A definite contender for goal of the season.
After a ropey start Milanda reached the break three goals up and were looking comfortable. At half time Milanda made a change with Williamson replacing Dunn.
Milanda pressed Pursuers early in the second half but despite a number of corners and shys were unable to extend their lead and paid for not taking advantage when they found themselves in trouble after a quick Pursuers 1-2. Crawford couldn't get the ball from out of his feet and his attempted clearance gave Pursuers a chance to break and they capitalised by reducing the deficit to two goals. Milanda were suddenly on the back foot and looking uncomfortable and Pursuers pushed forward to take advantage. Milanda were having problems clearing their lines and were giving possession away too easily. Pursuers won a corner and as the ball was played into the box it ricocheted around the boxa few times, was kicked off the line before falling kindly to a Pursuers forward on the 6 yard line and he had an easy task to steer it into the net.
From looking comfortable and in control Milanda were now looking edgy and unsure.. They did however weather the storm and once again took control of the game. They established a two goal cushion courtesy of a Pursuer head. Another long throw from Murray was deflected into his own net by a defender and it looked all over for Pursuers.. A few minutes later Milanda made the points safe when Williamson headed home a Murray coner and Pursuers's brave fightback was finally killed off.
The game finished and Milanda had finally reached the top of the league at the 2nd attempt, with one game to go before the xmas break Milanda should hopefully stay there and put a bit of pressure on CA.
MOTM - Some good performances this week particualrly in midfield and not much to choose between Murray and Early but the latter just gets the vote for this week's man of the match.