Championship – Firhill Complex, Maryhill

In memory of Sean Jones

A bright but crisp morning at the Firhill Complex set the stage for an emotional Championship encounter between Greater Croftpark Rose (GCR) and DTI AFC — a match played in memory of Sean Jones. Both sides came into this fixture desperately needing points, and what unfolded was a classic game of two halves.

Early Silence, Then a Storm

Following a poignant minute’s silence for Sean Jones, GCR struggled to find their rhythm in the early stages. The home side looked disjointed and quiet — “as if they weren’t allowed to talk” — while DTI immediately took control.

DTI’s Patterson was a constant menace, his clever movement carving open the GCR back line. Leslie saw his header saved at the back post by Podge, who was quickly becoming the busiest man on the park. Patterson then forced another sharp stop from the GCR keeper with a low drive, while Hughes was denied from close range in what can only be described as a world-class save.

DTI finally broke the deadlock when a deep cross found Hughes at the back post. There was a suspicion of handball in the buildup, but the goal stood, and DTI took a deserved 1–0 lead.

Rose Find a Lifeline

GCR slowly began to grow into the game. McBrearty nodded wide from a dangerous corner before Hendry played McCoo through on goal, only for Russon to save well with his feet. Moments later, Benghellab tried his luck from distance, testing Russon again.

Then, right on the stroke of half-time, came the spark GCR desperately needed. A cross to the edge of the box was met by Benghellab, who took a sublime touch before volleying into the top corner. A stunning goal — and one that changed the complexion of the contest.

At the break: GCR 1–1 DTI. DTI walked off frustrated; GCR grateful to still be standing — thanks almost entirely to the heroics of their goalkeeper, Patterson.

Second-Half Revival

GCR emerged after the interval looking like a different side. They were awarded a penalty early on after Benghellab was tripped in the box, but McCoo’s effort was saved low by Russon.

The home side didn’t let that setback deter them. McMillan pressed high, chasing down a loose back pass and forcing a costly mistake from the DTI keeper — the ball ricocheting off the striker’s tackle and into the net. GCR 2–1, and suddenly belief flooded through the team.

Midfielder Wilson began to dictate play, while substitute Kris Goodall almost added a third with a fierce strike that Russon palmed away. Another substitute, Gray, also came close, denied again by the excellent DTI keeper.

As DTI pushed forward in search of an equaliser, GCR sealed the points. From a Hendry corner, Ritchie rose highest to power home a bullet header and make it 3–1.

FULL-TIME: Greater Croftpark Rose 3–1 DTI AFC

It was a gutsy, determined performance from Greater Croftpark Rose — a true turnaround after a sluggish start. Their goalkeeper, Patterson, was nothing short of sensational in the first half, keeping his team alive long enough for them to fight back and claim a vital win.

DTI will be bitterly disappointed to leave with nothing after dominating large parts of the opening period, but GCR’s second-half display showed grit, character, and quality when it mattered most.

Scorers:

DTI: Hughes

GCR: Benghellab, McMillan, Ritchie

Man of the Match: Andrew Patterson (GCR) – A heroic goalkeeping performance that kept his side in contention and laid the platform for the comeback victory.