DALTON AT THE DEATH

U16’s Scottish Cup: Armadale Academy.  Sunday 29^th September, 2013.  3G Beautiful weather.

The agony and ecstasy of football was never more exemplified than in this game as the Jags who were cruising home at 3-1 up, lost two late goals only for the predatory instincts of Dalton to prevail and send the Thistle support home happy.

On a glorious late September day both sides served up a feast of football with the subtle promptings of a unified Thistle team were given a stern test physically and mentally by a big, strong athletic Windsor side who were denied extra –time by Dalton’s sterling work.

An opening passage of play which saw the Windsor take the game to the Jags and more than match them was cut short when a long ball from McMahon was flicked on by the again impressive Dwyer for Forrest to out muscle the Windsor halfback and fire low into the corner for the lead.

After a series of corners a spinning ball was needlessly handled by a Windsor defender and a penalty awarded.  Kelly’s attempt was brilliantly parried but Bell followed up and coolly slotted home the rebound.  Windsor redoubled their efforts but could not find their way through a tight Jags defence before the break.

Jags looked to kill the game in second half but gave the Windsor hope when a poorly defended free kick was headed home from close range for 2-1. The Jags looked to have closed out the match when the elegant Mungall lashed home a cut back but the Windsor never gave up and with under five minutes remaining they drew level.  Two set pieces were again the undoing of a dis-organised Jags defence and resulted in the Windsor achieving parity and the initiative  as they headed for extra-time.

However, a last gap free kick from the Jags broke Windsor hearts as the keeper fumbled in the six yard box and was punished as Dalton swooped to deliver the coup de grace to a brave Windsor team who were a credit to themselves and their coaches.

A great team effort by the Jags, who will have learned much from this about resilience and fortitude.

M.oM.: Everyone played a part but Mungall always had time.

L’Omdra