2-0: M1s vs Kelburne (Premiership) - 16/10/21
Spirits were high in the Western Lettings Hillhead camp following last weekend’s convincing 6-1 victory over Grove Menzieshill, a result that ended Hillhead’s run of four defeats in their opening four games! The Hornets welcomed Graeme and Ewan Campbell back into the squad after the brothers missed out last weekend due to injury.
The match started at a frenetic pace, with both sides eager to establish a firm grip on the game early on. Fraser Ward had his work cut out in the middle of the park, taking the responsibility of marking Kelburne legend Iain Scholefield, and did his job admirably throughout the match. Hillhead probably had the best of the opening quarter, and were able to link play between lines at ease, winning a few short corners in the process. The opening goal came from a scramble in the circle, with Fraser finding the bottom corner after three or four shots had been kept out by the Kelburne keeper.
The 2nd and 3rd quarters were not the slickest hockey that Kelburne or Hillhead will play this season, chances were limited for both sides but the Hillhead keeper kept the crowd entertained with at least one unnecessary diving save and a mistimed kick, placing him in prime position for DoD.
Hillhead to their credit did start to coax out some better hockey towards the end of the 3rd quarter and establish some dominance on the field, creating and exploiting gaps in the Kelburne defence. Chances fell to Ewan Campbell breaking through unmarked from defence as well as Andrew Black.
The final quarter was where Hillhead upped their game and created a number of chances. The young Kelburne side were looking to strike on the counter, but the defensive duo of Iain Hilton and Matt Macintyre shut down attacks before any real danger emerged, allowing the reinvigorated Hillhead forward line to spring into action. Murray Ross got his reward after creating a yard of space and firing a lightning quick strike past the rooted keeper.
A goal wasn’t enough to prevent Fraser from walking away with the DoD award, as with only a few minutes to go, Fraser produced one of the stranger moments of the match. Attempting to relieve pressure with an aerial out the back, he hooked the ball straight up and onto the roof of the stand, before claiming that the roof overhangs the pitch and that the ball didn’t actually go out.
Overall, coach Keith Joss will have been happy that Hillhead were able to secure a second win of the season, and a clean sheet to go with it. The boys were able to dig themselves out of a midgame rut and finish strongly. Up next are newly promoted Dunfermline Carnegie, who will present a different challenge to the youthful Kelburne.
Western Lettings
The premium letting agent of choice for discerning landlords in the Glasgow area
Western Lettings is an ARLA licensed, multi-award winning independent letting agent in the West End of Glasgow. Ever since our business was established in 2008 our objective has been to continue specialising in letting and managing property without becoming side-tracked by other ventures, such as property sales and development.