Blairgowrie Juniors form suffers from lack of games

Jan 4 2013 by Clare Damodaran, Blairgowrie Advertiser

Blairgowrie were beaten 2-1 against Forfar West End on Saturday at the Davie Park.

It was their last game of 2012 and also their first for four weeks which showed during large parts of the game.

Stewart Sheed was serving the last of his three-match suspension, and also out of contention were Josef Frangiskou and Rory Cowan.

Robbie Hood, who was on the team sheet to start the game, had to withdraw due to the flare up of an old injury, but fortunately James Simpson was able to deputise.

Blairgowrie began the game with a determined look and took the lead in just eight minutes when Gary Axworthy latched on to a midfield through ball and slotted home from 12 yards.

West End equalised on the half-hour when the referee failed to spot an offside in the build-up and when the Blairgowrie defence stopped momentarily to give West End the advantage.

Andy Murison suffered an injury and had to be taken off, adding further casualties to Blairgowrie’s growing injury list.

The home side had to endure sustained periods of pressure and the visitors eventually took the lead from the penalty spot.

Had it not been for the brilliance of keeper Gordon O’Brien and the central defence pairing of Gordon Pirie and James Simpson, Blairgowrie could have been further behind in the second half but Forfar West End were kept at bay.

In the final 10 minutes Blairgowrie had chances to equalise, perhaps the best being an effort which was deflected by a West End defender and cannoned back off the crossbar.

Manager Billy Mackay said that as the club ended one year and approached a new one, all at Blairgowrie Junior FC appreciated the encouragement of supporters and sponsors.

Blairgowrie are away to Forfar Albion this Saturday (January 5) in the North Division, kick-off 1.30pm.

Results: Saturday, December 29. North Division - Blairgowrie 1, Forfar West End 2; Lochee Harp v. Coupar Angus postponed.

Fixtures: Saturday, January 5. North Division - Coupar Angus v. Montrose Roselea; Forfar Albion v. Blairgowrie. Kick-offs 1.30pm; Saturday, January 12. North Division - Blairgowrie v. Downfield. Kick-off 1.45pm.

Amateur Fixtures

Saturday, January 12. Smith League Cup quarter-finals - Burrelton Rovers v. Craigie; Fairfield v. Jeanfield Swifts; Letham v. Alyth. Perthshire Cup; Second round - Meigle Vics v. St John’s. Division One - Auchterarder Primrose v. Coupar Angus; Rattray v. Balmoral Utd; Division Three - Newtyle Hearts v. Star of Atholl; Pole Team v. Kettins. Kick-offs 2pm.