ac milanda afc

 
MILANDA'S battle against relegation doesn't get any easier after the morning from hell at Greenfield. Three goals down after 20 minutes and five behind at half-time, the only positive was a clean sheet in the second half but Columba played two-thirds of that with 10 men following the hand-ball offence that led to Milanda's penalty.

Columba were hungrier from the off and overall you have to admit they were far superior throughout the match.
Milanda, who fielded trialists Damien McGinty - son of Milanda legend Gerry - and Roddy McDonald had only one effort on target in the first 45 minutes and that was a chip shot from Mark Russell that was cleared off the line.

The consolation goal game on the hour. A long throw found its way to substitute Paul Malone and when his header was handled on the line the culprit was sent off and Craig Fawns netted from the spot.

Milanda came close on one or two other occasions, notably when Martin Coyle broke clear and smashed a shot against the keeper, but Columba defended well and were never likely to lose their grip on the game.

So a disappointing day but as Columba always seem to escape relegation the picture hasn't really changed. It always looked as if Milanda would have two finish above two teams other than the Coatbridge outfit to stay up and that remains the big task. However, that won't be achieved with performances such as this.

MOTM: There probably shouldn't be such an award after a game as bad as this but Mark Russell deserves recognition for his efforts in midfield.