Todays match report is written by Kev McQuillan.

A crunch fixture for Abronhill at the weekend and coming only 3 weeks after a cup exit at the hands of Stratchclyde Uni, this one was always likely to be tight.  

The starting line-up, not for the first time this season (testament to the strength of our squad now) sprung a couple of surprises.  Joe ‘Bananaman’ Maguire failed a late gaffer test (Replacing the normal fitness test!) while Soapy (remember him) returned to the squad and starting line-up sporting a new athletic physique and a horrendous pair of pants.  Jack himself missed out meaning a slight shuffling of the pack with the Iceman preferred at right-back, Rabinho alongside Danny in centre defence and TTTT starting in the central midfield slot alongside Kanye.

And in a fairly even first half, all that split the sides was a wonder goal from Strathclyde’s outstanding player.  Their no.8 was allowed a little too much space on the edge of our own box from a corner perhaps but no one could argue with his finish – a first time volley in off the underside of the bar that left the returning Soapstar Superstar picking the ball out of the net for the first time this season.

The 2^nd half was another well contested 45mins of good football for this level with both teams playing good flowing football that ebbed and flowed from end to end.  Abronhill had much the better of it though thanks to some good incisive forward play and perhaps, despite the loss of 2 goals, our best defensive display of the season.

Abronhill drew level 20mins into the 2^nd half.  Raymond (now disposing of his Judge tag establishing himself in the right midfield position) played a defence splitting pass down the inside right channel which was picked up by Kev who drew the defender one-on-one before theatrically throwing himself to the floor for a penalty…or at least that must have been in part what the ref thought – WHERE WAS HIS RED CARD??

Billy R Superstar steps up and continued his 3 year long success streak from the spot.  All references to his uncanny resemblance to Graham Alexander (the hair, the stubble, the age…oh aye, and penalty taking etc) are accurate.

Further pressure resulted in a couple of good positions being created in and around the Strathclyde penalty box and several corners but with precious few clear cut openings.  The pressure paid off though and Abronhill took the lead after approx 75 mins.  The best passing move of the game with interchanges between Raymond, TTTTommy, M³©®™♂άΩ and Kanye resulted in Michael playing a perfectly weighted ball onto Kev’s napper to nod past the advancing keeper.  Abronhill 2-1 up and on the 2^nd half showing, a well deserved lead.

Jack introduced fresh legs in the form of Jordi and old legs in the form of Shaun and Iain to maintain the workrate as Abronhill looked to hold on.  And in the closing stages, it looked more likely that Abronhill would grab a third than concede and equaliser.  And with the defence looking secure, the ultimate sucker punch stole 2 points from us – a through ball that was anticipated by the entire Abronhill backline found the Students substitute at least 2 yards offside but the ref allowed him a free run in on goal and 2-2 was the result.  Innes couldn’t believe his freshly lasered eyes!

Danny led a Roy Keane / Man U like stampede in the ref’s direction before holding an immediate on-pitch enquiry, politely inviting the referee for his thoughts and perceptions.  The unusually sheepish ref’s only defence was that our esteemed Captain had played the boy onside, shocking blame administered to the most honest of Abronhill’s playing staff and blame that the ref tried to atone for by naming Ants MOM!!

Goals:Billy(p) , Kev

MoM AWARD:EL PONTIFF

                                                                       Joes still in a huff in the corner.