No Cold comfort for Arniston

Newbyres Park hoisted one of only three matches in the East Region to beat the big freeze this weekend and credit to all involved in getting the pitch ready. The pitch itself seemed perfectly playable although there were certainly a number of bad bounces during the game.

Montrose Roselea were the visitors and boasted a run of seven consecutive league victories after a poor start to the season. The home side were also on a decent run after a difficult season which saw their manager depart.

Rangers started the game brightly and from an early Moffat corner, Callaghan headed over. The same combination were in evidence a couple of minutes later but Callaghan put his effort wide.

Roselea's first effort saw Watson feed Reid, but the frontman was offside.

The game took a long time to settle as both teams looked to dominate the midfield.
After 17 minutes a good interchange between Garden and Bauld , forced away Keeper Mcleod into a good save with his feet. In the Rangers next attack Kataleza latched onto a good through ball but couldn't get his shot away.

After 26 minutes Montrose nearly took the lead. Defender Watson completely miskicked the ball allowing his namesake, Callum Watson, in but his shot cannoned back off the crossbar- how much the miskick was down to the pitch is debatable.

The game was fairly even now with openings at both ends but neither side looked capable of a breakthrough.

Half Time  Arniston Rangers 0; Montrose Roselea 0

There were no changes at half time but it didn't take too long for a goal to arrive. After 52 minutes, a bad bounce on a pitch that was cutting up, caused Callaghan to miss his clearance. It was quickly pounced upon by Watson and although he took two bites at the cherry,  his second effort was on target.

The goal seemed to inspire the visitors and they looked like adding to their advantage but Arniston held firm . As the clock ticked away Arniston themselves forced a series of corners but in truth they never really looked like scoring. As the pitch began to freeze a little, both sides found it increasingly difficult to create chances. However, Arniston substitute McFadden fired in a fine shot late on .

Roselea  just about deserved to take the points in a match easily forgotten other than its significance in terms of the table. Roselea made it 8 league wins for In a row and pushed them into equal top of the Premier league. Arniston are still at the wrong end of the table and need to start winning points.

Credit to both teams for giving all on a difficult day for football but the referee, Evan Cairns, got it spot on in allowing the game to go ahead and in his sensible handling of the match.

Full Time : Arniston Rangers 0; Montrose Roselea 1

Gordon Baird - Neutral Reporter