THE MATCH THAT NEVER WAS

Our resident reporter was in place to take in the League encounter between Glasgow Island and Bishopton FC

Unfortunately for the clubs this league match was hastily turned into a last minute exhibition match.

MATCH REPORT

A fine pitch, ideal weather, two sets of players up for the match. All the ingredients were there for a cracking start to the season.

All the ingredients except a referee, the whistler having no-shown and turning this morning’s league opener between Glasgow Island and Bishopton into a friendly.

The away manager offered to officiate, and soon saw his team surge into a two goal advantage, both coming courtesy of tidy finishes from low cut backs from their left winger.

The islanders clawed one back, Daniel expertly heading home at the back post from a deep corner from Archie.

There were half chances to equalise but at the break it remained 2-1 to the visitors.

FULL TIME – Glasgow Island 1-2 Bishopton.

With new faces in the GI defence, and players yet to get up to match sharpness, it was perhaps inevitable that some bedding-in period was needed, and Bishopton took advantage of a slip at the back to extend their lead.

Step up Daniel again to slot home after a precision cross from Archie, reducing the deficit to one.

Despite the friendly nature of the game, one of the away players clearly didn’t get the memo, launching into wild challenges which forced both Benji and Gillies off with injuries, the ref wisely withdrawing him from the field before he did further damage.

Best wishes to both players for a swift recovery.

As the islanders took control of midfield, Robin rose well to head on a free kick and Cammy topping off an excellent second half by lobbing home to make it 3-3.

Returning to the GI fold, Duncan nearly scored the winner with a “JFK moment”, the ball ricocheting off the post from a shot with his right foot. Yes, his right foot.

More chances came – the ball just evading Zander for a deserved goal – as the game petered out. In the last action of the game, Duncan followed his manager’s instructions by placing the ball on Robin’s head, but the ball drifted just past the post.

A good workout for both teams, it ended Glasgow Island 3-3 Bishopton.

FULL TIME – Glasgow Island 3-3 Bishopton.