Stenhousemuir 0 Accies 1: Tuesday, 18 April 2000

Accies had a hard fought but ultimately well deserved victory over Stenhousemuir at Ochilview this evening.

Stenhousemuir had only opened their new(ish) stand for this game, with the result that it was very busy and with a good atmosphere with a fair amount of chat between the two sets of fans. The old stand on the far side has been demolished, so the old place did look a bit run down.

Stenny started the game as the stronger team - they were clearly up for it and they won almost everything in midfield for the first 15 minutes or so. However, their territorial advantage came to nothing and Accies began to take control with a fairly fluent passing game. Martin Bonnar had an amazing miss right in front of goal after good work by Coubrough. Neither side really looked like scoring though, but when the goal came it was a complete howler by Warriors goalkeeper Lindsay Hamilton. Jose Quitongo skinned the left back and put over a high cross towards Eddie Cunnington. His looping header should have been cleared easily by the veteran, but he stood rooted to the spot as it bounced past him into the net. The Accies players celebrated in some style. The other footballing highlight of the first half was a cracking shot by Steve McCormick, which Hamilton was pleased to tip over the bar. McCormick was revelling in his midfield position.

The main talking point of the first half was the booking of David McFarlane for apparently elbowing Stenny defender Brian Welsh in the face. Blood was streaming from the damage and it took several attempts by the physio to repair the damage so that it was acceptable to the referee. Welsh did, however, obviously threaten McFarlane before he left the pitch, but the ref took no action other than to book the Accies man.

Accies were the better team again in the second half, although Stenny did come close on several occasions but their headers were all saved easily by Ian McFarlane in the Accies goal. Accies had their chances too, primarily through James Coubrough and Eddie Cunnington. However, there were to be no further goals.

There was, however, a moment of real drama with 10 minutes left. All of a sudden, Davie McFarlane was lying on the turf clutching his face, with Brian Welsh close by. The referee saw nothing, but the linesman on the stand side raised his flag about 15 seconds later. There was a bit of a "rammy" on the park, with players shouting at each other. The referee soon spotted the linesman and ran over for a chat. The result of this was that he booked Davie McFarlane for a second time and a red card soon followed. McFarlane was incensed at this and tore off his shirt as he left the pitch. Accies and Stenny fans close to me said that Welsh definitely thumped McFarlane and that he should have been the one sent off. If the linesman didn't see McFarlane being hit does that mean it didn't happen?

Anyway, this sense of outrage only spurred Accies on to greater efforts and they held out the last 10 minutes quite easily.

Incidentally, the ref was one of those wee irritating officials who want to be the centre of attention. We could do with less of them. Coubrough and McCormick were also booked for innocuous offences.

So it was a well deserved win for Accies. McFarlane was excellent in goal although the back four did allow Stenny several free headers. The midfield was generally in control of the game, with a special mention for Steve McCormick. A lot of the supporters have given him pelters this season for his performances up front. In midfield tonight he did very well. I liked the pairing of Coubrough and McFarlane up front, and it's a shame that McFarlane will now have to miss the Ross County game on Saturday.

Before I forget, Jim Watson and his cronies got dog's abuse from the Accies supporters again. But then again, I don't think you had to be told that.

Accies : McFarlane, McLaren, Davidson, McCormick, Gaughan, Thomson, Quitongo, Bonnar, Coubrough, McFarlane and Cunnington.

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