Point 4 v 3 Aths (Jock Stein Cup quarters)

The Reds eventually overcame a stubborn and hard working Aths team, courtesy of a last minute goal by Robert Jones.

On a blustery evening it was the Rudhachs who drew first blood when the Aths defence misjudged a high, spinning, swirling ball and Wally was on hand to score a fairly straightforward goal by his standards.  Thereafter, Point had a good spell and could have added to their tally but for some good goalkeeping and poor decision making with the final ball. All that changed though when Mikey Jones played the ball through to a marauding Darren Stewart for Aths. As Jonny came out to grasp the ball, Darren nicked it beyond him and the keeper’s slide took him into Darren. Not many complaints from the Reds and Conner Maciver duly stepped up to draw the hoops level. It was to get better for the Townies when Mikey Jones slipped the ball past Jonny for a good counter attacking goal, although the Rudhach defence was all at sea. Soon after the ref blew for half time and the Rudhachs headed in shaking their heads at how poorly they had performed in the latter part of the half.

Into the second half and the Reds started with renewed vigour and purpose. Elliot got the Rudhachs level with a curler into the top corner made all the more impressive by the fact he was really stretching for the ball when he hit it. Ali Gillies then made it 3 2 with a long range free kick which drifted over the keeper into the same top corner; we had found his weak spot! Not sure Ali meant it but the crowd were loving it! Aths weren’t done yet however and when the ball broke to him kindly, the centre forward (?) buried it beyond Jonny to make it all square at 3 each.   Another classic at the Camp Roo!

As the clock counted down,  Aths centre midfielder Sean “Bayble” was sent off for a lunge at Hugh Morrison, who after a bit of treatment was able to continue. Elliot almost scored from the resultant free kick but couldn’t stretch his big toe. The stage was then cleared for Robert Jones, who collected a neat lay off from Wally before bursting clear and slotting past Reece Montgomery in the Aths goal. The elder Jones would have been particularly pleased as his brother had earlier scored for Aths. Bragging rights at the dinner table assured!

Point’s next game is away to Broadbay rivals Back on the 21st May.