Campsie Minerva held to stalemate in league decider - VIDEO

Campsie Minerva.............. 1

Linwood Ams.................. 1

League Division 1a

Yet again Minerva had to move out of Lennoxtown to play a game. It may only be a mile and a half to Milton of Campsie, but without a doubt important games like this should be played in your own backyard.

Despite the move, the game was played in front of one of the biggest crowds the district has seen in many years with estimates putting the attendance somewhere between 200 and 300.

Minerva started the game strongly on the bumpy pitch and McKie came close to opening the scoring after only two minutes. Durick too came close not long after this with a shot from long range.

With 15 minutes on the clock Linwood took the lead against the run of play. Poor defending yet again allowed a Linwood forward time and space to blast low past a helpless Tait in the Minerva goal.

Thankfully Minerva didn’t let their heads go down and attacked at every opportunity. They were rewarded for this policy when – only three minutes later – Durick got on the end of a McKie pass to rifle home from around 15 yards – much to the delight of the home support. There was to be no more scoring in an entertaining first half.

The second half saw Linwood come more into the game and press the home side on several occasions.

In the 52nd minute Tait came to his team’s rescue with a good save – diving low to his right. The game was end to end midway through the second half with the Minerva players flying into tackles.

Substitutes were being introduced with Robertson ably taking over from the injured Reilly at sweeper and Smart coming on for the leg-weary Lenaghan.

Minerva had good chances to win this game outright with C. Duff coming close with a shot, McLaughlin failing to hit the target with a free header and a shot from late sub McKenna deflected wide. There was to be no more scoring in this match, but the Minerva management team of Findlay and Wingate were well pleased with the effort from their players.

Minerva will now need to raise their game again tonight (Wednesday) when they travel to East Kilbride for their last league match where they need one point to clinch the title.

Minerva: Tait, Durick, Morton, Reilly, Mooney, J Duff, C Duff, Kemmitt, McLaughlin, McKie, Lenaghan. Subs : McCaig, Smart, McKenna, Robertson, Kerr.

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