FOOTBALL — Blackthorn Pull Clear At Top Of LeagueBlackthorn Rovers 3-0 Chaplins
The top-of-the-table clash lived up to the billing with ‘Thorn picking up a hard-fought but deserved three points. There was little between the teams in the early stages but Blackthorn broke the deadlock with a close-range strike from McCabe.
Just before the half-hour mark, it was 2-0 as Aaron Cameron produced a fine 25-yard volley and smashed past McIntyre. With a two-goal lead, ‘Thorn looked fairly comfortable but midway through the second half, Jamie McCabe was dismissed following an altercation with Bryson.
Despite being a man down, Blackthorn continued to press for the vital third goal and this wasn’t long in coming through a moment of genius from James Jordan as his 30-yard shot rocketed high into the net, giving the keeper absolutely no chance.
This goal put the game beyond doubt and secured the points in a very strong performance from the Blue Brazil putting them three points clear atop the Greenock and District Welfare League.
Blackthorn line-up: McNeil; McDermid, Harkin, Wiggins, Brunton; Hunter, Jordan, McCurdy (McAllister), Smith (Fry); McCabe, Cameron (Mitchell).
Blackthorn Rovers 2-0 Sporting Lithgows
Having attained a fine victory on Sunday against Chaplins, ‘Thorn faced another tough test in a midweek league match with Lithgows. As in the previous cup encounter between the sides, the opening stages were cagey with both teams looking to use pace in attack to breach the opposing rearguard.
However, the opener came from a set-piece as Jordan’s corner was superbly met by Pete Fry who headed past the helpless goalkeeper with 12 minutes on the clock. The goal seemed to give ‘Thorn a lift but, midway through the half, Lithgows went close as McColl’s angled strike had McNeil beaten only to see his effort rebound off the post.
Moments later it was Blackthorn’s turn to strike the woodwork as Aaron Cameron showed good strength in the box to hold off a couple of defenders before firing a shot that was denied by the inside of the upright.
With half-time approaching, Glenn Bradley — an early first half substitute — looked to have furthered the lead when he rounded Sporting keeper Binnie but, with the defenders closing in, he was unable to convert.
After the break, Blackthorn began to enjoy more of the possession and looked sharp on the attack. Indeed, the lead was extended when top scorer Aaron Cameron beat the offside trap and slammed home his twelfth goal of the season.
Brad Smith thought he had made the scoreline comfortable when he poked home from close range but was adjudged to be offside and, minutes later, Cameron had a shot from outside the box that found the net but, again, was ruled out for offside.
Lithgows deployed three forwards in an effort to get back into the game but struggled to seriously trouble the ‘Thorn back line who have now managed seven straight clean sheets. The win puts ‘Thorn six points clear at the top of the table.
Blackthorn line-up: McNeil; McDermid, Harkin, Wiggins, Brunton; Hunter, Jordan, Fry, Smith (McGraw); Mitchell (Bradley), Cameron (Mullen).
This Sunday Blackthorn face Clyde Battery FC in a 12.30pm kick-off at Battery Park. Additionally, the draw for the last 16 of the Scottish Cup has been made with Blackthorn being handed an away tie in Peterhead versus Haven FC.
Blackthorn thank kit sponsor Koekibar (www.Koekibar.com) for continued support.
