Jolly Harvester v Kelloholm
GK David Stairmand
RB Dale Osbourne
LB Craig Hope (C)
CB Stuart Ramsay
CB Connor Robb
DM Paul Preston
CM Darrell Klose
CM Elliot Harris
AML Kris Clark
AMR Ally McKenna
FW Russell Thomson
It was 1st vs 2nd as Jolly welcomed Kelloholm to Marchmount.
In what was a highly inticipated game by both sides and neutrals alike. Jolly started at a frantic pace coming close several times through Kris Clark inparticularly. Jolly took the deserved lead after excellent work by McKenna who slipped the ball to trialist Russell Thomson, running away from goal hit a pile-driver into the bottom right hand corner leaving Kello keeper no chance. Jolly continued to have the lions share of possession until Kello scored the equaliser. A long kick forward caught out Jolly keeper David Stairmand and the Kello forward managed to get to the ball first and score and easy tap-in.
Jolly struggled after this and Kello looked more likely to go in front. Ramsay and Robb particularly solid at the back however limited their chances.
HT 1-1
Joe Burton > Stuart Ramsay
Jolly were forced to shuffle the pack at half time after Ramsay was forced to leave the action through injury.
Jolly started 2nd half well though and soon took the lead. McKenna was who was causing Kello problems all night found himself clean through on goal after a superb through ball by Elliot Harris only for Kello's number 2 to cinically pull McKenna back by the shirt. Referee jim Thomson had no option but to send him off. From the resulting free kick Kris Clark stepped-up and scored an absolute rocket hitting the under-side of the crossbar on the way-in.
2 became 3 for the Jolly when Stairmand distributed the ball to Osbourne, Osbourne delivered a cross with pin-point accuracy to Thosmon who headed the ball goalwards. The ball hit the post and ran along the goal-line for Clark to slide home for his 2nd.
Kelloholm battled well with 10 men and threw men forward at every opportunity. This was when the game opened up and Jolly tried to capatalise on the break to no avail.
Graham Beckett > Ally McKenna
Jack Jones > Kris Clark
Scott Henderson > Russell Thomson
Aaron Jardine > Elliot Harris
Kelloholm continued to look more and more threatening as Jolly sat deeper and deeper and scored a desreved goal which the tired Jolly defence failed to prevent.
The Jolly back line and midfield continued to battle well and after a couple of hair-raising moments managed to hold on to the massive 3 points which sees the Jolly 4pts clear at the top with a game in hand over the team below.
Superb effort from all players!
Man of the match was the superb Elliot Harris who looked threatening every time he had the ball and battled superbly every time he didnt.
Big mention to the rest of the squad not inviolved who came along to show their support.
Tricky game away to Youth United in the league next weel where a similar performance will be needed!
COYO!
