Pre

The playing surface and ground looked in first class condition for this Super Cup semi final. Both teams started the game at a furious pace with some heavy early tackling. Linlithgow Rose went into this game looking for revenge after their OVD Scottish Junior Cup defeat to Tayport at the tail end of last season but it was Tayport who made the breakthrough in the 5th minute with a cross from the right that fell to B Craik who drove the ball home. The game continued the way it started with Linlithgow creating a few openings and in the 22nd minute they were awarded a free kick 25 yards out. McLellan strolled up to send a cracking spot kick in the top right corner with keeper Fitzpatrick fully stretched but unable to get a touch on th ball. In the 32nd minute a Tayport corner was headed off the bar with the rebound falling to Rose defender and cleared upfield. The heavy tackling continued with the Rose support giving the ref some deserved criticism. The ref took until the 46th minute before going for the yellow card and J Ward was the player booked for what in my opinion was not the worst tackle of the game so far. The second half started where the first finished with another booking and both teams going for the winner. It only took 3 minutes for Linlithgow to go ahead with a free kick again from McLellan. This time going close to the keeper but sliding into the net. The goal gave the Taysiders a fright and they responded within a minute with a fine driven goal from Dailly after the ball rebounded of the bar. The game settled down with both teams playing good football. The 78th minute saw the major breakthrough for Linlithgow with a fine headed goal from Higgans. Tayport replied instantly with a 25 yard strike which went close past the right hand post. The game at this point could have gone both ways but Linlithgow rapped it up in the 77th minute with a fine goal from Pearson. There was a few more bookings in the game but this was a game to to enjoy and for any senior followers this was a game to convert. I for one am looking forward to some cracking matches this season but this game set a very good standard for junior football. Well played to the Rosey.