ac milanda afc

Milanda had the best of the early play and adapted to playing with the wind better than Rovers did defending it. Milanda were winning a lot of balls in the air and forcing rovers into last ditch defending which brought numerous free kicks and throw ins throughout the 1st half. It was from a high ball that lead to the only goal of the game. A long ball into the box was headed up into the air and allowed to bounce. Williamson was first to react and his header into the box found Early who took one touch and then volleyed into the top left hand corner of the net for a deserved opener.

This sparked Rovers into life and they began to pull Milanda's back three all over the pitch but a combination of great defending and poor finishing saw Milanda keep their lead intact.

At the other end Milanda continued to harass and chase every lost and it was from one of those that Evans got in behind the Rovers defence but his ball across the 6 yard box was intercepted by the keeper before Williamson could provide the finishing touch. Milanda's midfield were providing superb cover as the young legs of Rovers tried to push back into the game but Milanda had all the answers and went into the break a bit disappointed they were not more goals in front.

Rovers had the benefit of the wind in the 2nd half but it seemed to hinder rather than help in the opening 10 mins as long passes were carried out of play. For Milanda Coyle was helping relieve pressure on the defence by taking the ball for a walk and linked up well with Murray to try and create something. From one of these link ups Coyle brushed aside 3 tackles but couldn't quite deliver the final shot as he burst into the box. At the other end Milanda had a real let off when a through pass caught Walker in no man's land and the ball was lobbed over his head. It looked a certain goal until Dullaghan appeared from nowhere and his overhead kick cleared the ball from under the bar. An outstanding piece of defending.

A few mins later Rovers had their best chance for an equaliser when again the defence was caught out but despite having time the rovers forward hurried his shot and Walker watched it as the ball went well wide.

Milanda continued to use their experience and at the other end won a number of fouls as Rovers dived in to tackles. From one of these free kicks Milanda had their best chance of the second half when Evans didn't quite connect with a scissor kick and the Rovers keeper was grateful to let it bounce up into this hands.

Rovers got more frantic as the game drew to a close and began to lose their discipline as the clock ticked down. This led to some erratic play on the park but Milanda coped easily with their forays forward and a hard evening's work was rewarded with the final whistle and clean sheet.

Milanda can be pleased as they get back to winning ways. Garnethill are a good, if inexperienced, side and it will be no surprise if they are promoted. Milanda once again showed that on their day they can beat anyone but a lack of consistency this season has proved their downfall.

Man of the match – Some great performances in midfield especially from Coyle and Early. The defence also played a huge part in this victory and Dullaghan stood out in that defence. An outstanding goaline clearance to keep Milanda in the lead and many other important interceptions means Shug gets this week's MOTM award.