2006/2007 Season Review (continued)
FEBRUARY 2007
BANG GOES THE TREBLE
Going into February Athletic’s form was not great but we were still winning games. Back to league business and we were on our travels to face Invac. This normally is a tough fixture with it being a big park and them being a physical side. This was to be our first defeat of the season and to be honest it was justified as we struggled to find any rhythm in the game. Invac took the lead in the game and although we equalised we never looked like winning it.
Invac restored their one goal advantage and because Athletic were chasing the game they broke up the park and scored a third to kill off the game. So the inquest began there were many excuses to why we played so poorly. The over riding factor was we did not compete with them physically especially in the middle of the park. We never managed to replace Andy McQuade who left to play Saturday afternoon football. It was not just for this game but we also dropped points against Islay who are also without being spectacular are a physically strong team.
We now had to lift ourselves for the cup-tie against Garnethill of the second division. Garnethill were new to the league but were doing well so it was going to be a tough game because Athletic were not playing well. The first half was pretty even with no great football being played. Athletic took the lead through Goldie who won a header and then was first to react to volley the ball home. This should have been the cue to take control of the game but straight from kick-off they equalised. Their winger was giving Tucker a torrid time leaving him on his backside to score. The second half again was fairly even again with no great football being played. It looked like it was going to go into extra time when disaster struck a harmless ball was played into the area as it came in it lokked as if Tucker could take a touch and play it up the park. He took his eye off it went through his legs straight to their attacker who will not score an easier goal this or any other season. We were fortunate to beat Andrew Watts in the cup but our luck ran out this time. Well done to Garnethill.
Unbeaten till February then come two on the trot. Athletic are not playing well and had to get back to winning ways and quick. Ferguslie were next up for Athletic. Normal service looked to be resumed when goals from Bobby and wee Ronnie gave athletic an early two goal lead. Again Athletic hit the self destruct button and allowed Ferguslie back into the game conceding two sloppy goals. In between the two Ferguslie goals Toddy was brought on for Bobby an inspired substitution as it turned out as Toddy grabbed the winner. That was Toddy’s reward to the team as he caused their equaliser by getting caught in possession.
February was a bad month for us. Out of one of the cups a first league defeat and a less than convincing league win. Improvement has to be made.
MARCH 2007
REACHING THE FINAL
The first game in March was the semi final of the GDSML cup the opponents being A.C. Milanda. Milanda were the only team that Athletic failed to beat on their way to winning the league last season drawing one and losing the other. Milanda would feel confident and with Athletic not playing at their best this would be an interesting game. Athletic ran out 2-1 winners in this semi final but the score line flattered the opposition. Goals from Toddy and Bobby had Athletic on easy street and although Milanda pulled one back there was never any danger that Milanda could pull off a shock. Athletic have reached their first final well done guys.
Next it was back to league duty and an away visit to our friends Glasgow Islay and it was them who gained revenge for their cup defeat to us earlier in the season. They ran out 3-1 winners our consolation goal coming from Toddy his 12th of the season. Newman also made an eventful debut came on as a sub and then sent off for an elbowing offence. More dropped points the next game would be crucial it would be against the current leaders and favourites for the league Baillieston Thistle. Games between the two in recent seasons have been close and only been won by the odd goal. Athletic have only beaten Thistle once in the past a 4-2 success in the cup a few seasons back. Baillieston started the game as they always do quick off the blocks. There were chances for both teams in what was an open game but it was Thistle who broke the deadlock a smashing long range effort that flew past Grant. Athletic did not let the heads go down and were soon level. A corner from Frank was left by everyone and their defender on the back post could only help it into the back of the net. Into the second half and both teams were having a real go. Thistle regained the lead through a corner and their player unchallenged headed into the net. Thistle were now content in keeping the ball and seeing out the result. Athletic had other ideas and good build up play saw Toddy hold his man off and finish with aplomb. Both teams were now going for the winner and when it looked like it was going to end in a draw. The industrious Ronnie McG robbed their left back you wouldn’t have blamed him for going it alone but he squared it to Toddy who was better positioned who put the ball in the back of the net. Athletic had won the game 3-2 and by far their best performance of the season.