Although we played really well against Johnstone last season and were unbeaten in both games we played (drawing at home and a comfortable 3-1 away win) they went onto to pip us for top spot in the P&D league. We knew, therefore it would be a difficult cup tie today.

The fact that we gave them a two-goal start with some poor defending was never going to help but, despite having had no competitive game for over two months, the boys showed great character to record a well deserved win.

Our passing and ball retention in the first half, particularly in midfield, was excellent and we played round the reigning League Champions on numerous occasions but despite have most of the possession, other than hitting the post through a long-range shot from Simon, we didn’t really create any clear cut chances.

We went two down following indecison in the box when we falied to clear balls into the box but quickly got one back with an instinctive shot from Adam from close-range.

Our passing dropped off a bit in the second half but the commitment didn’t waver. We equalised when Mark sneaked round the back of their defence and latched onto a great 30-yard pass from Blair and calmly lobbed the onrushing keeper.

The game was becoming increasingly physical and the referee flashed numerous yellow cards and one red. Fortunately, GSC players maintained their discipline, with only one of these bookings going to us (for dissent - see below). We kept on trying to play football and were rewarded when Blair scored the winner, managing to find space inside the box to dispatch the ball past the goalie with a left-foot finish.

Johnstone poured players forward but, with the numerical advantage, GSC were rarely under any real pressure and never looked like conceding an equaliser.

Overall, an excellent win and we can now look forward to the rest of the season with a bit more confidence than of late.

Good performances from all the team but particularly Jack, who showed what we have missed or most of this season, and Div whose workrate (and skills) wide-right caused problems for Johnstone all day.

FINALLY.
As we say every week, discipline is important. We will not tolerate bad language or responding to comments from the sidelines. If this happens, we will, as we did today, remove the player from the field.

Remember, when you turn up at training and at games you are representing yourself, your parents and the club. The club has signed up to the Positive Coaching Scotland programme. Good behaviour on and off the pitch is fundamental to this. We have rarely had cause to discipline any of our players for misbehaving, and this is also true of referees (we must have one of the best yellow/red cards records in the league). Let’s all make sure we continue with this.