30/09/2017  |  League

Dalbeattie Star   1  v  1  Cumbernauld Colts

The Colts were back to league business this weekend with another long trip south to Dumfriesshire to face Dalbeattie Star. The Colts made a number of changes from last week�s Scottish cup tie and were forced into a further two changes with keeper George and McCrory calling-off with injury and illness on match day, on loan keeper Cordery and Mortimer were recalled as was Marshall and Homes who had recovered from injury.
The colts looked the brighter in the early stages moving the ball well without creating any clear opportunities, however very much against the early possession the home side took the lead with what was their first attack in eight minutes, the colts defence were caught square allowing the advancing Dalbeattie striker in one on one with Cordery exposed, and he slotting home low to the big keepers right.
Colts responded and were edging the possession and opportunities, the home keeper saved well at Brown�s feet when it looked as if the striker had an opportunity, there was some real questionable decision making by the officials, and this was compounded when the colts had two penalty claims turned down, one of which appeared to be a solid claim when Brown was tripped, lady luck was not with the visitors and the remainder of the half was played out without any significant chances for either side.
HT 1-0
The Colts started the brighter in the second half and were again probing the home defence with Brown and Mortimer creating some difficult situations for the home defence, and one such move saw Brown advance into the box near the bye line and when he muscled his way past the defender it opened up an opportunity for him to cut the ball back to the advancing Waddle who shot home from twelve yards to level the score, this was no less than the colts deserved as they were looking the more determined and purposeful. A second goal would have won the game and when Murray fired from inside the box, right in front of goal his shot looked goal bound only to see it agonising shave the outside of the post. The officials continued to be at the centre of some controversial decisions, the referee contrived to book a number of players from both sides with no fouls of note to report and his assistant got in on the act when he flagged Brown offside when it appeared the big striker had timed his run perfectly to go through on goal.
As the game draw to a close it became very open as both sides tried to hit the killer blow, again the Colts had the best opportunity when they broke three on two only to see Brown snubbed out in the box.
FT 1-1
Not the score line the Colts were hoping for, nevertheless there was a real desire and fighting spirit which bodes well as they seek to retain their top end status. The Colts now have two back to back home games, first up are Whitehill Welfare on Wednesday, KO 7.45pm and East Stirling on Saturday, KO 3pm.