The roving reporter was on duty on thrilling Thursday to see Greater Croftpark Rose take on GCFA newboys Cathcart AFC
MATCH REPORT
This was a game that both clubs really wanted to win, the teams met last month in a pre season friendly which Cathcart won 5-3 at Firhill Complex.
Rose started the game in scintillating fashion as Fleming and McMillan almost fashioned an early goal but for some very good goalkeeping.
The home team took the lead when A ball by McAloon found McMillan in space and his shot deflected up and over a helpless Turner in the Cathcart goal. 1-0 GCR !!!!!!
Turner in the Cathcart goal then saved his team with a stunning save after McMillan beat two players before shooting at goal but Turner made the save for his team.
The Duo of Fleming and Mcmillan were causing all sorts of problems for Cathcart and a pass by Mcmillan into Flemings feet should have saw the attacker do better with his first time shot.
Fleming seemed to be the danger man at this minute and when a ball to the back post found him he tired to slot the ball home but Doyle from Cathcart managed to clear off the line.
GCR midfielder McCoo then had two long range efforts in the space of a couple of minutes with one stinging the goalkeepers palms and the other finishing wide of the post.
Greater Croftpark Rose doubled their lead when McMillan crossed to the back post for McCoo to power his header home from close range. 2- 0 GCR !!!!!!!
Cathcart almost hit back moments later when a deep corner was not properly cleared and a snap shot which was heading in seemed to hit a cathcart player and bounce to safety.
GCR had the chance to go three up when Fleming found space to cross for McMillan, But an onrushing Cathcart goalkeeper made the GCR striker rush his shot which finished wide of the post.
McAloon in the GCR Midfield was having a particularly fine game and seemed to be at the heart of all GCR’s good play.
HALF TIME – GREATER CROFTPARK ROSE 2 CATHCART 0
Rose looked to try and get the goal that would surely clinch the game when McAloon found Campbell in space, The full back shot but the ball was cleared off the line by a Cathcart player.
A moment of Magic by GCR striker McMillan as he left the Cathcart defender for dead when he produced a deft flick over his head, The striker then managed a shot at goal which was easily saved by the Cathcart number one.
Around sixty five minutes into the game and a moment of controversy and confusion as Cathcart Captain Darren Doyle received a 2nd yellow card and is sent off.
The restart was delayed by a few minutes but this seemed to help Cathcart rather than hinder them.
Cathcart came out all guns blazing from the restart and immediately put pressure on the Greater Croftpark Rose goal.
McEnhill of Cathcart was influential for his team as they tried to get back into the game, The midfielder seemed to be everywhere picking up the second balls and starting attacks for his team.
The away side’s pressure paid off when a clever pass in behind caught out the GCR defence and the striker of Cathcart produced a magical finish in off the post. 2-1 !!!!!!!
GCR made a a final double substitution with Simpson and Gray entering the park with Smith and McBrearty picking up knocks.
Substitute Gray almost sealed the game for his team when McCoo skipped him through on goal but unfortunately for Gray his shot finished just wide of the post.
As the seconds ticked down Cathcart had a final half chance when a long range effort was well held by Patterson in the Rose goal.
A last effort by Cathcart saw them strike a long range free kick off the Rose crossbar but in all honesty it looked like Patterson had his angles covered and knew the ball would clip the top of the bar and bounce over.
The Referee then brought an end to what was a very exciting game between two clubs who showed a healthy respect for each other.
FULL TIME – GREATER CROFTPARK ROSE 2 CATHCART 1
THE GROUP AS IT STANDS
With the last round of games only a day away it’s conceivable that all four teams from the group could still qualify for the Championship.
Footy Focus season 25/26 
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