A misunderstanding meant Dumfries lined up with just 10 players, despite the depleted numbers it was Dumfries who started on the front foot and creating some early openings on the break. One of these breakaways led to the opening goal when McFarlane’s square pass found Kershaw unmarked at the back post for a tap in. 1-0. The home side continued to force Uddingston mistakes and again punished them on the break when Kerr’s pass found McFarlane who once again found an unmarked Kershaw at the back post for another tap in. 2-0.
The second quarter started in a similar fashion, Dumfries defending well and limiting the visitors while looking dangerous on the break. Uddingston did get a goal back halfway through the quarter from a rare moment of chaos in the Dumfries D. 2-1. Dumfries were resilient and didn’t let this affect them. An almost instant impact form the home side, as Kershaw returned the favour to McFarlane by setting him up with a tap in at the back post. 3-1
HT 3-1.
The half time team talk led by captain Oakes was positive and constructive. The second half begun with Uddingston trying to put more pressure on the depleted home side by very little got through the back line, with the odd time it did, Oakes was there to prevent the visitors scoring a second. Oakes was beat on one occasion but F Smith stole the ball off the attacker and cleared to prevent a second Uddingston goal. The men in red did still force Uddingston back on occasions, and an excellent team press allowed Johnston to win the ball back in the oppositions 23. His pass found Aitken who burst along the base line and found Kerr free at the back post for his first goal for the 1s. 4-1.
The last quarter was mostly played in the Dumfries half, but F Smith, Marshall, G Smith and Macklin stood firm and prevent Oakes from having to make many saves. Dumfries did look dangerous on the break with Kerr, McFarlane and Kershaws pace, whoever it was Uddingston who got a late consolation from a short corner. 4-2.
FT 4-2.
An excellent team performance from all 10 players who made it two wins from three to start the league season. Congratulations to Adam Kerr who scored his first goal for the 1s today.
Player of the match was Toby Macklin.