Milanda secured their first win of 2006 with a display that deserved more than the 2 goals they finished with. A combination of Milanda being unable to convert numerous chances and some excellent goalkeeping from the Allander keeper kept the scoreline respectable.
Milanda had to make an early change when Reid pulled a hamstring in the warm up. As a result Fawns was pushed up front and Addison came in at right back.
The early part of the game was only memorable for Allander forward 'Dougie' throwing his toys out of the pram with his own team-mates and getting involved with Milanda's Preston and Crawford. Twice in quick succession the referee had to deliver him a lecture. This calmed him down a bit, but all through the game he was constantly moaning at just about everyone. This suited Milanda as he's been a thorn in Milanda's side in the past but he never seemed focused on this game.
Milanda made most of the pressing in this game and were getting in behind the Allander defence. Duncan had a shot pushed round the post by the Allander keeper but Milanda couldn't take advantage of the corner. A succession of corner and long throws put Allander under pressure but Milanda couldn't find the breakthrough.
At the other end Milanda although not under a lot of pressure were lucky to see a loose ball go over the bar. Milanda did though finally make the breakthrough after a slip by the Allander sweeper.
A ball on the edge of the box looked to be an easy clearance for the sweeper but as he slid into clear he failed to make any real contact. Williamson nicked the ball from him and ran in on goal. As the keeper came out Williamson neatly rounded the keeper and placed his left foot shot calmly into the net. As cool a finish as you'll see all season . It was no more than Milanda deserved.
Fawns had a chance to double Milanda's lead shortly after when a bouncing ball was missed by Allander and Fawns was one on one with the keeper but he couldn't get a good enough angle on it to get it past the keeper who easily saved.
Half time arrived and Milanda should have been more then one ahead.
The second half was mostly one way traffic as Milanda looked for number two. a whole host of chances were squandered.
Fawns had another one on one but the keeper got down well to smother.
Early had two great chances one from a Murray cut back that he couldn't get on target.
Murray found himself one on one but again the keeper was up to the task.
Williamson saw a header from a Murray throw in just fall the wrong side of the post.
Fawns put a shot over the bar after the ball fell kindly at the edge of the box.
Fawns also had a great free kick superbly saved by the Allander keeper who really kept his side in it.
When the goal finally did come it was simple but effective. A long throw from Fawns was met by Crawford who was under pressure from two defenders but managed to get a header away that beat the Allander keeper who had tried to come out and claim the ball.
The goal finally killed off Allander and although Milanda still had a bit of defending to do they never looked like surrendering the victory.
A good win for Milanda against a team that has become a bit of a bogey team for them in the last few years. Considering it was done without Coyle and Reid, Milanda's two top goalscorers it was all the more creditable. .
MOTM - McColgan in midfield was one of many top performers but this week's MOTM has to be Crawford who had a superb game in the middle of the Milanda defence and crowned it off with the second goal. Not afraid to get in where it hurts and kept Dougie quiet.........at least on the football side.