Clubs | Waston's comeback in vain as JGHS hold on | |
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George Watson's Seniors vs James Gillespie's Seniors
Lothian Schools FA League - Division 1
James Gillespie's remained on track for a title showdown with Newbattle, but only just. A healthy lead was nearly squandered in the closing stages, leaving everyone associated with the school breathing a heavy sigh of relief on the final whistle.
After a cautious start to the game, held at Meggetland Sports Complex, Gillespie's came to life in the twentieth minute. Dughlas Winning continued his good scoring form to put the claret and blue side in front. He then wasted no time in doubling his and his team's tally, finishing well with twenty-five minutes on the clock.
Watson's hit back just after the half hour mark. A half cleared ball into the box was returned exactly where it came from, with a forward only too happy to head past the visiting keeper.
Despite chances at both ends, the score remained 2-1 at half time.
Half Time: George Watson's Seniors 0-2 James Gillespie's Seniors
Fifteen excellent second half minutes for Gillespie's looked to have ended the match as a contest. Callum Donnelly made it 3-1. Eddie Cogliano scored an excellent header to make it four. And Stuart Martin hit a trademark strike to put the championship challengers seemingly on easy street.
Nobody had told Watson's the script.
On seventy minutes Scott Noble was penalised for a hand ball, with the spot kick duly dispatched. Five minutes from time a cut back was swept into the net by the onrushing Watson's forward. And in the eighty-eighth minute a searching through ball was latched onto by a home striker, who showed composure to finish past Isaac Ansell-Forsyth in the Gillespie's goal. With all of the momentum with the home side, an equaliser looked very possible. However, no more goals were forthcoming and 5-4 it finished.
Watson's title hopes may have vanished but they still have a part to play in the run in. Their next fixture is against league leaders Newbattle HS, whereas Gillespie's entertain second bottom James Young HS. Next Wednesday Gillespie's and Newbattle meet in what looks certain to be a title deciding clash.
While Gillespie's will hope Watson's can go one better in their next match, the squad know that there is a good chance that six points from their final too games will be good enough, and anything less not.
Full Time: George Watson's Seniors 4-5 James Gillespie's Seniors |