A sunny morning kick-off at Eastwood set the stage for a massive performance from GSC 40s as they swept aside previously undefeated rivals Park Villa 40s with an emphatic 8-1 victory.

Giffnock came into the match missing several key players, including first-choice goalkeeper Husband, defenders Duff, Neeson and Wilson, midfield maestros McKeown and McGinnis, along with match winners Smith and Ure to name just a few. Despite the absentees, GSC produced one of their best displays of the season.

THE REPORT

The away side Park Villa created the first opportunity of the game when a deep cross caught out the Giffnock defence, but Thorburn fired over the bar when he really should have tested the goalkeeper.

GSC responded brilliantly.

Scott Keys won the ball on the edge of the area before cutting it back to Willie Stewart, who produced a stunning finish from the edge of the box to make it 1-0.

Nicky Taylor was next to try his luck, but his shot took a deflection and bounced just wide.

Andy Crosbie then used his intelligence to get himself in front of the defender before being clattered inside the box. Penalty to GSC.

Kev Gallagher stepped up confidently and made no mistake from the spot to double the advantage at 2-0.

Park Villa almost pulled one back when a dangerous cross saw Dodds palm the ball out into a dangerous area, but defender John Healy produced an unbelievable goal-saving tackle to preserve the lead.

GSC continued to push forward and nearly added a third when marauding full-back Chris Bruff delivered a tremendous cross. Scott Keys met it with a powerful header that beat the keeper but crashed back off the crossbar.

A lovely flowing move from GSC then saw Moffat win the challenge before slipping the ball to Tam Whittaker he then sprayed a superb 40-yard pass to Kev, who cut the ball back to Nicky Taylor, but his effort drifted just past the post.

With Whittaker and Keys dominating the midfield battle, Crosbie and Stewart continually picked up intelligent positions that caused the opposition all sorts of problems.

The in-form Andy Crosbie then stepped up to break Park Villa hearts with a devastating quick-fire double.

First, Keys won possession before feeding Crosbie, who cut inside and produced an excellent finish. Moments later, Gipson found Gallagher and he threaded an incisive pass through to Crosbie, and he beat the keeper with a thunderous strike to make it 4-0.

Park Villa had another chance before the break, but Dodds in the GSC goal produced another excellent save.

Half Time – GSC 40s 4-0 Park Villa

The home side went to the bench at the break, with Bonthron and PJ introduced to freshen things up.

Unfortunately for GSC, Villa started the second half brighter and pulled one back when a long-range effort struck the bar before being tapped into the net. 4-1 !!!!

There was then a collector’s item from Bon, who rose like a salmon to win a crucial header at the back post. The hardworking midfielder is certainly not known for his aerial prowess.

GSC created another big chance when PJ slipped Gibson through on goal following some excellent Whittaker & Keys Build up play but McNeil produced a fantastic save to deny the striker.

Further changes followed for GSC, with Ledingham, Leonard, Hamilton and Phillips all introduced.

Phillips made an immediate impact. The super sub ghosted past his marker and was brought down just as he was about to shoot. Another penalty to GSC.

Phillips stepped up himself and dispatched a well-taken spot kick to make it 5-1.

Ledingham, who had replaced Gallagher, then made a crucial intervention at the back post to stop Park Villa from pulling another goal back.

The visitors continued to battle and were desperately unlucky when a long-distance strike hit both posts before bouncing away to safety.

Another substitute was about to make his mark on the game —Craig “Tavernier” Bonthron.

Bon made a lung-bursting run to the byline before cutting the ball back perfectly for Lorn Gibson, who calmly beat the keeper with a composed finish to make it 6-1.

GSC were then dealt a cruel double blow when both Leonard and Hamilton were forced off injured shortly after beginning to impose themselves on the game.

The goals kept coming though.

A through ball from Whittaker released Gordy Phillips , whose effort was well saved by the keeper, but Phillips reacted quickest to tuck away the rebound and make it 7-1.

Bonthron was at it again moments later, embarking on another mazy run into the opposition half before setting up striker Nicky Taylor, who took a touch around the defender before coolly slotting home GSC’s eighth goal of the morning.

The final few minutes of the game passed by without any major incidents and GSC walked away with a well earned three points.

Full Time – GSC 40s 8-1 Park Villa

All in all, it was a tremendous performance against a very good Park Villa side who came into the game unbeaten.

Man of the Match

Scott Keys just edged the Man of the Match award ahead of Tam Whittaker after both players completely dominated the midfield area.

Keys especially shone on his 40s debut, producing a tireless all-action display full of energy, composure and quality from start to finish.