Robertsons prove they can mix it with the big boys

Manager Steve Dean probably had his hardest team selection decision to make of the season after a very good 3-1 win against JML Rafters , he decided on rewarding the 5 players who were substitutes the previous week with a starting place in the team, he stressed that the players left out should not look upon this as any indictment on their performances. Robertsons have showed just how strong a squad they have when all the players called upon to play in the games have acquitted themselves so well giving the manager extremely difficult team selection decisions to make, but this is the sort of problem he would rather have than to be struggling with not having enough players at his disposal. The players realise that a strong squad is necessary if promotion to the premier or a cup success is to be realised and a good team spirit where people accept that everyone can not get automatic starts every week is important.

Ryan Docherty the first choice keeper unfortunately missed out as he turned up late and Micky Urwin was already asked to play in goal. Dave Smith was extremely unlucky not to get a run out when recently his experience in front of goal has proved invaluable. Brian Johnson, David Mullen and Declan Tilson too were three of the players who had played well the previous week but were asked to start on the bench.

Robertsons started off really well against a very good Premiership team who have only lost one game so far this season in the league. Robertsons took the game to Simonside and were unlucky not to be a couple of goals up before Simonside took a two goal lead the first goal was very fortunate for Simonside as Darryll Donnelly was clearly fouled in the box but unfortunately this was done out of sight of the referee. The second goal for Simonside was scored as a result of Darryll Donnelly struggling with a groin strain . David Mullen had to come on to replace the injured Donnelly.

Many teams would have let their heads drop after falling behind by two goals but the young Robertson team rallied and played some slick passing movements of play and Jonny Matthews in particular seemed fired up and his exciting wing play was rewarded when he scored with two quality strikes to level the score to 2-2 before halftime. Steve Dean decided to replace Craig Lowther at halftime not that he was having a particularly bad game but he seemed to be tiring and the manager felt that Brian Johnsons work rate would be a valuable asset in the second half.

The fight back by Robertsons gave them the initiative to go on for a win . Stevie Stephenson was brought down on the edge of the box when he had a clear run on goal but justice was done when he rifled in from the resulting free kick to make it 3-2.Ian Hudson and Chrissy Sinclair were certainly bossing the midfield. Dan Smith and Dan Purvis were both having excellent games they must be two of the most cultured and versatile fullbacks in the league who are capable of playing in a number of roles in the team.

When Simonside did mount an attack the two centre halfs Wayne Henry and David Mullen were both colossuses at the back and Micky Urwin in goal proved how good a goal keeper he is even though he prefers to be playing outfield.

Ian Hudson took a knock on the head with about 15 minutes to go but tried to carry on but had to come off eventually to be replaced by Declan Tilson.

As Simonside pushed for an equaliser Christie Elliott and Stevie Stephenson were giving the Simonside defenders all sorts of problems when they were breaking on the counter attack and it was Stevie Stephenson who made the victory certain when he netted his second.

This was a very good all-round team performance and every player should be proud of their performances.


Robertson Scaffolding: M Urwin, Dan Smith, D Purvis , W Henry, D Donnelly(D Mullen 25 mins), C Lowther(B Johnson 46 mins)J Matthews, I Hudson (D Tilson 80 mins)C Sinclair ,C Elliott, S Stephenson

Unused Subs:Dave Smith,C Wade, R Docherty
Scorers: Jonny Matthews (2), Stevie Stephenson (2)