Accies 1 East Fife 1: Saturday 14 April 2001

Scottish League Division 3

Firhill Stadium, Glasgow, Saturday 14 April 2001

Team News

Despite Martin Bonnar being free from suspension, Ally Dawson opted to continue with Ryan Kelly in midfield. Bill Davidson had damaged an ankle and was replaced by Keith Hogg. Stuart Callaghan returned from suspension.

Accies threw away a great chance to reinforce their position as second favourites for the league with this lacklustre display against East Fife at Firhill. It had all started out quite promisingly, with Accies dominating the play in the first half and the East Fife goal leading a bit of a charmed life.

Good play in the first 20 minutes created several great chances, the best of them falling to Michael Moore, who controlled the ball superbly before lifting it wide of the gaping goal. Dylan Kerr had a great long range effort which was tipped round the post. But Accies were never able to make the vital breakthrough which would probably have given them the confidence to go on and win the game.

They weren't helped by referee Ian Brines, who declined a penalty appeal when Stuart Callaghan was obviously (and audibly) fouled inside the penalty box. We should have known then that it wasn't going to be our day.

This period of domination was the result of good football from Accies, when they concentrated on keeping the ball on the deck and passing it to feet. For some reason, however, they persevered with the policy of having 'keeper Ian Macfarlane punt the ball up the park, rather than having him distribute it to the wing backs. The best play came when they used Stuart Callaghan on the left wing as it seemed that the East Fife defenders had Davie McFarlane and Michael Moore well under control.

As the half wore on, however, East Fife gradually began to take control of the game and they forced quite a few corners.

East Fife had the wind at their backs in the second half and it only took them 5 minutes to take a deserved lead. The goal was simplicity itself, with a long ball through the middle being lifted over Ian Macfarlane by McManus.

The goal really rattled Accies and they started to play like headless chickens. There seemed to be no cohesion in midfield where Ryan Kelly and Michael Martin struggled to make an impression. At the back, Paul Gaughan and the abysmal Keith Hogg looked totally unconvincing and even Steven Renicks was disappointing (although he may not be fully fit.)

Just when it seemed that Accies were going to throw away all 3 points, Stuart Callaghan swung over a great cross which was bulleted home by Davie McFarlane at the back post. This was rough justice on East Fife, whom I thought deserved to win the game.

The lineup:

Robert Downs replaced Michael Martin

Martin Bonnar replaced Ryan Kelly

Stuart Callaghan was booked.

- Read the fans' memories, or add your own, via this link.

- Please contact us if you have any information that will improve this page or if you spot any mistakes.

Images

Videos

Links and References