Dumfries IIs 3-3 Giffnock IIs

Dumfries 2’s recently welcomed Giffnock 2’s to the KGV for their final league game of the season knowing that any result other than a defeat would allow them to finish above bottom side Helensburgh 3’s regardless of their remaining results.With Giffnock’s agreement, the game was played in four quarters as against the normal two halves. This was to allow both Dumfries keepers take part in the game as well as giving the younger players a new experience.

The game started pretty evenly as both sides took time to settle but the Dumfries youngsters were well directed by the senior players around them to take the game to the Giffnock area but found the experienced defence hard to break down. With time running down towards the end of the first period, a good through ball from Callander (Senior) found Ryan Mills in the Giffnock D who squared the ball to Freddie Brown to open the scoring with a well struck shot. 1-0 to Dumfries.

The second quarter started off in a very similar vein with both sides making changes throughout to keep all the players involved but it was Giffnock who struck back with an early equaliser against young Keeper Turner who was beaten to the ball from a pass into the home side’s D by the Giffnock forward who slotted the ball home to make the score 1-1. This remained the score till half time despite Dumfries creating chances of their own but without any success in front of the visitor’s goal.

Turning around at half time, with further changes to the playing personnel but with plenty of encouragement, Dumfries started the 3rd quarter strongly with all the young players stepping up to the challenge. Callander (Senior) restored the home sides lead midway through the quarter with a well taken goal and the score remained in the home sides favour at the end of the quarter 2-1.

The final quarter saw veteran Keeper Moscrop replaced by Calum Turner but the visitors quickly capitalised on the now tiring youngsters amongst the Dumfries side which was compounded by the heavy downpour that was unleashed overhead, scoring two goals to turn the game on hits head as they took the lead for the first time in the match going 3-2 ahead with two quick goals in the quarter. Defeat for the home side was averted however when with just four minutes of the game remaining, Callander (Senior) scored his second goal of the match to secure the draw as the match was drawing to the end. Giffnock however did create a final chance to win the game from a short corner but Turner in goal made a good save to deny what would have been a harsh outcome for the home side

.Grateful thanks from all players to Ryan Johnston and Scott Marshall for umpiring the game and Euan Little marked his debut for the 2nd XI with a good performance throughout the game.

Team Line Up:S Moscrop (GK), M Redman, S McFarlane, T Macklin, L Mills, F Brown, I Callander, J Callander, J Campbell, J Bennett, J Turnbull.

Reserves: C Turner (GK), P Joyce, E Little, D McCuaig, R Mills. (All used)