An unchanged ‘Well side had the better of the first half though clear goal scoring chances were fairly rare. It looked like we would be in the dressing room at the break trying to figure out why the teams were still level but disaster struck with seconds to go before the whistle.
A long ball seemed to present little danger as it floated into the box. Hammell was under it, Craigan was close by and
The half time talk produced the desired effect and contributed to a fantastic second forty five minutes.
In fifty two minutes McDonald took advantage of a well weighted chipped cross from O’Donnell to head low into the keeper’s right hand corner. In five further minutes we went ahead for the first time when a huge battling, scrapping and fighting effort saw us rob the United defence of the ball twenty yards out. A fierce O’Donnell shot was spilled by the goalie and Clarkson pounced on the spoils. 2-1.
Both sides gave maximum effort as United tried to get back into the game. The swirling wind and a heavy rain shower contributed to the excitement. In sixty eight minutes McIntyre brought the sides level for the third time with a volley from close in.
Our third and fourth goals were out of the top drawer.
McDonald collected the ball just inside the United have and charged for goal. He passed both central defenders and slipped the keeper to score. It was a thoroughly deserved double for ‘Doogay’ as he had been a thorn in the side of the visitors defence all afternoon.
As the final seconds of injury time started to run out we were treated to another peach. Jim Paterson carried the ball for twenty yards before passing to Clarkson at the edge of the box. He floated a cross to the on rushing Burns who met the ball in full flight with a diving header. The keeper was beaten, the sore was 4-2 and the three points were celebrated wildly on the terraces.
They only cause for concern in today’s celebrations were the sad departure of Scott Leitch just minutes into the second half. An early challenge resulted in him protecting his fragile right shoulder and there must be real concerns about his chances of playing again.
If entertainment like this does not pull in supporters for our next home then we can all give up any efforts to increase the fan base. It was a smashing effort by the whole team and they are entitled to a wee celebration tonight.