The men in red travelled up to Glasgow in high spirits after a recent purple patch of form. However, their efforts to get a 3rd win on the bounce were thwarted by a late call out for Marshall. The team of ten were slow to start with Hillhead dominating the ball for the open exchanges. That said, the Doonhammers created the first clear chances of the match but failed to convert. This pattern of play continued into the second quarter; but, the home team made their possession count when they turned the ball over and hit Dumfries on the counter 1-0. Heads remained high for the men in red and they immediately looked to pull themselves level. Macfarlane opportunistically latched on to a slack ball around the back by Hillhead before rifling it past the on rushing keeper. 1-1. Both sides continued to create a range of chances but lacked the finishing touch. HT 1-1. Words at halftime were extremely positive as Dumfries knew that the goals would come if they continued. The hosts flew out the traps at the start of the second half and once again got their noses in front through a well worked short corner. 2-1. Again Dumfries refused to drop their heads and again looked to pull themselves level. This time, a searching ball by Boulton found Macfarlane and the young striker nudged it on to Johnston; his deft finish on the reverse stick looped over the goalkeeper to level the game again. 2-2. As the game entered the 4th quarter tension mounted as both teams hunted for a winner. The westend side once again took the lead through another well worked break away finish. 3-2. Again the travelling team refused to lose and after some neat interplay passing by Brown and Kershaw an opportunity presented itself. Brown slide a ball towards the penalty spot and Johnston applied the finishing touches. 3-3. It was then all hands to the pumps to ensure the point was secured and in the dying embers the men in red had a chance to steal the game but a misplaced pass sniffed out the chance. FT 3-3.
Many thanks to the travelling fans whose vocal encouragement kept the team going.
Man of the match was Toby.
The 1s continue their league campaign before the Christmas break against familiar opposition- GHK.