There was a high five at Woodside on Sunday, as Glentanar saw off the challenge of Ellon Meadows, with a goal laden home display.

The hosts started the game with urgency, and had a great chance to take initiative in the opening moments. A Josh Thomson corner found a way through to James Wallace, up from the back. His shot on the turn was held by Liam Gibb in the Ellon net.

Both sides looked to settle into passing rhythm early on. Ellon’s Cayden Finlayson was involved in neat build up down the left, as the fullback ventured forward, only for wavelengths to break down in the final third.

On eight minutes, Glentanar wrote the foreword for their performance. Worked down their left, the ball was bundled across the box for Tate Bavidge to sweep home the opener. Several players forward in the setup, and the midfielder kept his composure from seven yards for 1-0.

On a wintry weekend in the north, that served as the perfect ice breaker. However, Meadows held their nerve in an attempt to construct a response, forcing the play longer. That would give forward Robbie Neilson a chance to stretch his legs in the channels, as the frontman threatened with his pace. More on his influence later.

As the game swung, Glentanar’s interchange was asking questions. Ross Simpson went through on goal, tugging his shot wide. Another Thomson corner was steered just over by Cooper Smith.

On 18, Nathan Bloice answered the call. Again the ball looped from the left. It was headed on by Simpson, helping it into Bloice’s path, to strike a measured volley. 2-0.

The visitors showed endeavour to reply, as the double-deficit appeared to free them. One of their best chances in the period came seconds after the restart. Lofted out of defence, Aidan Cruickshank gambled on the bouncing ball, beating James Wallace to the chase, but couldn’t push his outstretched effort beyond the rushing Matthew Taylor.

Midfielder Brodie Stewart was instrumental in many of Ellon’s possessions, battling hard in the centre, as they pushed forward, creating a flurry of chances towards the break. The aforementioned Neilson had a shot smartly parried on 24, before fizzing a freekick into traffic.

Glentanar were alive on the counter though, and Josh Thomson latched onto a timely Rio Collie pass on 32. With Gibb to beat, he produced a fine save from the stopper.

Neilson flashed one final effort over for Ellon on 35, and a frantic half took a breath.

The second 40, and with both side’s braving the afternoon’s bite, they got to work. First, Neilson dipped an audacious set piece over from distance.

Then Glentanar scored. Again Thomson played orchestrator, and substitute Kyle Fraser nipped in ahead of his marker for the third on 42.

Five minutes later, chances developed at either end. Glentanar keeper Taylor was sparked into action to swat a deflected cross. Meanwhile, Ross Simpson was denied on the break.

Meadows would then string together a trio of corners, thanks to the running of Finn Gordon and Euan Moir. Simply, the desire of the teams was admirable. There was mileage in the tanks.

Nearing the hour, Matthew Dormer supplied serenity in spades. Glentanar softened the sting of the game for the next fifteen, as the tall sub carried calm from the sidelines to centre mid.

Tate Bavidge had the chance for his second on 61, but his effort was well watched by Gibb in a crowded area.

Two big opportunities then arrived for Ellon. Euan Moir was firstly picked out with a defence splitting pass, but failed to control. Then, an intelligent exchange from a throw saw the ball slammed low across goal. Last ditch defending by Ryan Brand prevented Moir from notching on the line. Full commitment. Danny Smith headed the resulting corner wide.

Soon after, it was four. Gradual build up this time, and the ball held in by Kyle Fraser. Back to goal, he slid an intricate reverse pass to Ross Simpson. A key man throughout, the number 12 had his reward.

Rio Collie then tested Gibb’s gloves, before Matthew Dormer rounded off the scoring with a cleverly placed drive, high into the net from the edge of the box. Kyle Fraser presenting the lay-off here, and this was a fabulous fifth.

Glentanar pocket the points and plaudits in this one. Ellon Meadows remain bottom of SPREE League B, but can also take positives to future games.