Paisley & District Div. 3
Location: Linwood S.C

North Kelvin Utd (T2) 0 - 3 Craigielea Star

MOM: Disappointing performance all round

Coming into this game on the back of some good performances, confidence was good, but the forced changes were to prove too much to cope with. No fewer than seven changes from last weeks XI.

The match began with a familiar pattern for NKU, with the opposition enjoying the bulk of the ball, but as with previous weeks not really being able to translate possession into decent chances. The back three were looking rusty, with McGregor and Owen having played only one game between them since Xmas, with Uppal having to look alert on more than one occasion to break up attacks. The best NKU chance in the 1st half fell to McCluskey, who found space on the edge of the 18yd box, only for his 1st touch to let him down at the vital moment, although his final shot forcing the keeper to look sharp. At the other end some slack play by Uppal allowed the ball to played into the box, and the strikers header rebounded off the post into the grateful Smiths hands.

Just on the stroke of half time Smith suffered a knee injury whilst jumping to shepard over a wayward shot, and Davidson was required to enter the field of play for the 2nd half.

With Star look to press home their advantage, they again forced NKU onto the back foot, and the breakthrough came within 10 minutes of the restart. A smart finish from 18yds leaving Davidson no chance. NKU then had to try and open up a little but couldn’t create any meaningful chances, and Star extended their lead halfway through the half, a dangerous cross into the box from the left, gave the inrushing player to fire the beyond Davidson.

At this point it was all about pride and although NKU continued to press and chase it was obvious that there would be no comeback. Star finishing the game with a 3rd late in the game.

Hugely disappointing match from a NKU point of view, but truth be told Craigielea Star were well worth their victory on the day. We will now have to pick ourselves up for next weeks cup match against Glynhill, as they will be right up for it, as I’m sure they’ll feel aggrieved at the outcome of last weeks match.

1.Stevie Smith
2.Ritchie McCluskey
3.Matt Owen
4.Scott MacKinnon
5.Ryan McGregor
6.Craig Forbes
7.Kieran Roberts
8.Sat Uppal (C)
9.Steven Morrison
10.Warren Gordon
11.Alister Eden

Subs:
12.Paul Clinton (4)
14.Simon Davidson (1)

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