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West of Scotland 21's YFL premier Division

John Paul Academy

18/08/2012

 

 

 

Drumchapel lost their opening league fixture for the first time in over 7 years after a goal blitz in the second half at John Paul Academy. It was a tight game throughout but last years Scottish Cup winners just edged out Drumchapel to record their first away victory against them for over 5 years.

The game started at a frantic pace with very little football being played by either side. The ball saw plenty of the air and this forced a number of mistakes to be made with the wind being a factor. McCluskey was buzzing about up front for Drumchapel causing the defence problems with his quick feet and close control. It was McCluskey that had Drumchapel's best chances in the opening period, firing high over Bowskill's goal after an impressive first touch.

At the other end, Row were trying to cause their own problems for MacFarlane and McCole to deal with but Dougans goal was never under any real threat.

Half Time: Drumchapel United 0-0 Harmony Row

With little goal Action in the first period, the second half certainly made up for it. Drumchapel started out the blocks very quickly and a Young cross from the left was almost diverted in at the back post with McCluskey and Bradley nearby. Despite this positive start, it was Harmony Row that took the lead a minute later. Possession was lost in the midfield area and with defenders backing off, the shot was fired in from around 25 yards beating Dougan to his right. It went from bad to worse shortly after as McIndoe was dispossessed and punished for this. Dougan will be extremely disappointed that the ball managed to slip through his grasp and into the net.

The response from Drumchapel was good however as Bradley fired over the bar from a half cleared corner. 10 minutes into the second half and Drumchapel did get back in the game. A Davies free-kick was knocked into the path of Bradley in front of goal and the midfielder made no mistake with his finish. 17 minutes into the second half and the game was level. Again Bradley was involved and his cross from the right was flicked on by McCluskey into the corner of the net. Drumchapel were looking like they would turn the game around.

The game being level did not last too long though and Harmony again took the lead shortly after. A long ball down the middle was headed clear by MacFarlane onto the head of a forward and landed in behind the Drumchapel defence. The Row striker raced on and finished into the net off the post.

A number of changes for Drumchapel then took place to try and change the game, with fairly little effect going forward as very few chances were created. Dougan made a great save to prevent Harmony going further ahead before substitute Little had a good chance through on goal. The striker saw his effort blocked away by the keeper and to safety.

Harmony managed to hold out for the win in a tight match but Drumchapel will feel that they should have performed a lot better and hope to bounce back in their midweek clash against Goldenhill.

Full Time: Drumchapel Utd 2-3 Harmony Row