Accies 4 East Stirlingshire 0: Tuesday, 24 October 2000

Accies made it 6 wins in a row and scored 4 goals at home for the third consecutive game as they outclassed East Stirlingshire at Firhill.

Michael Moore grabbed the first 2 goals to make it 5 in 2 games before leaving with a nasty looking injury 15 minutes from time. Not surprisingly, Accies lined up with the same starting eleven as against Elgin last Saturday, the only change being on the bench where Michael Martin replaced Alex Eadie.

Accies started the match strongly, knocking the ball around confidently and at pace, leaving Shire to chase and defend as best they could. The best early chance fell to Mark Nelson, whose powerful header from 10 yards was straight at the keeper.

When Accies took the lead after 16 minutes, it was a "Route 1" special. A long clearance from Ian MacFarlane eluded both David McFarlane and his marker, leaving Michael Moore free to run on past the last man before sidestepping the keeper to score comfortably from 15 yards.

Seven minutes later and Moore grabbed his second, heading home a Robert Prytz free kick from the left with the Shire defence sleeping. Moore had another couple of half chances before great interplay between him and McFarlane set up a chance which Stuart Callaghan volleyed narrowly past the post. Accies did let the pace drop after the second goal, allowing the visitors to make some progress but they could only manage a tame shot from the edge of the box which was easily held.

The second half followed much the same pattern with Accies dominating from the start and only his startling lack of pace prevented Martin Bonnar from breaking clear twice in the opening minutes.

A further goal was inevitable and it came on 66 minutes when the previously quiet Callaghan delivered a perfect cross from the left which Mark Nelson met sweetly on the half volley to drive low into the corner. David McFarlane rifled in a shot from 25 yards which was touched over the bar and Alan Russell had a similar effort well saved.

Accies suffered a blow on 75 minutes when Michael Moore seemed to fall awkwardly after challenging in the air and both physio Jim Fallon and the ambulancemen were called on quickly. After some delay, he was at least able to get up and leave under his own steam, but looked decidedly groggy and was taken straight to the dressing room. Gary Clark replaced him up front and the game began to peter out until, with 3 minutes left, Nelson challenged strongly in midfield before knocking the ball clear to McFarlane who got his foot to the ball just before the keeper reached him, leaving Stuart Callaghan to wrap up the game from the spot.

On a night of absolutely foul weather, special mention must go to the Shire's kit manufacturers who have ensured that the team will be noticed everywhere this season. The away kit is orange, very orange. Not just like Dundee United's though, this one is definitely fluorescent, possibly the brightest kit I've ever seen, not unlike a steward's jacket - only brighter. A mention too, for Ian MacFarlane for staying awake during the second half.

Accies: I MacFarlane, Nelson (sub Hogg 89), Callaghan, Hillcoat, Gaughan, McLaren, Russell, Prytz, Moore (sub Clark 75), D McFarlane, Bonnar. Subs: Potter, Vaugh, Martin

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