MATCH REPORTS
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
| Earlston Rhymers F.C |
| Welcome to the official site |
Yetholm 2 - 4 Earlston Rhymers BAE DIV C 29/08/09
Rhymers started the match the brighter of the sides and should have taken the lead early but were denied by the keeper after Robert
Gourdie was sent through one on one. Some slack play by the Earlston defence shortly after saw Yetholm take the lead against the run of
play, their striker finishing well when one on one with Lee Manderson. Earlston pushed for an equaliser and after some close efforts were
finally rewarded when Gourdie slid the ball in during a goal mouth scramble. It could have been two moments later but Neil Laidlaw's lob
went agonisingly wide and the teams went in at the interval 1-1. Earlston started the second half sluggishly but should have taken the lead
when Stevie Gillan sent Martin Gibson through on goal only for his effort to be put wide. Yetholm then deservedley took the lead but in
controversial circumstances. Eduardo threw himself to the ground under the challange of Lee Martin resulting in the ref pointing to the spot,
this incensed Manderson in the Earlston goal and he was harshly given a yellow card for punching the Yetholm striker in the face. The
penalty was converted by the Yetholm Captain to give them a short lived lead. Moments later Earlston had a penalty of their own. Gibson was
scythed down by a Yetty defender and he picked himself up to take the kick and level the scores at 2-2. The Rhymers slowly started to take
control of the game and it was no shock when they took the lead, a good cross from sub Sid Gass saw Craig Bell power a header into the
top corner of the net sending the away fans wild. Rhymers continued to dominate and some good attacking play which ended in right back
Kevin McNiell's run into the box, saw him hacked down, again giving Rhymers a penalty and the chance to put the game to bed. Gibson this
time missing the penalty after the Yethom keeper produced a good save. Ten minutes from the end Earlston wrapped up the game when
Laidlaw's corner came off the bar and player manager Gourdie was there to head in the rebound. To view photos from the game click here!
Rhymers started the match the brighter of the sides and should have taken the lead early but were denied by the keeper after Robert
Gourdie was sent through one on one. Some slack play by the Earlston defence shortly after saw Yetholm take the lead against the run of
play, their striker finishing well when one on one with Lee Manderson. Earlston pushed for an equaliser and after some close efforts were
finally rewarded when Gourdie slid the ball in during a goal mouth scramble. It could have been two moments later but Neil Laidlaw's lob
went agonisingly wide and the teams went in at the interval 1-1. Earlston started the second half sluggishly but should have taken the lead
when Stevie Gillan sent Martin Gibson through on goal only for his effort to be put wide. Yetholm then deservedley took the lead but in
controversial circumstances. Eduardo threw himself to the ground under the challange of Lee Martin resulting in the ref pointing to the spot,
this incensed Manderson in the Earlston goal and he was harshly given a yellow card for punching the Yetholm striker in the face. The
penalty was converted by the Yetholm Captain to give them a short lived lead. Moments later Earlston had a penalty of their own. Gibson was
scythed down by a Yetty defender and he picked himself up to take the kick and level the scores at 2-2. The Rhymers slowly started to take
control of the game and it was no shock when they took the lead, a good cross from sub Sid Gass saw Craig Bell power a header into the
top corner of the net sending the away fans wild. Rhymers continued to dominate and some good attacking play which ended in right back
Kevin McNiell's run into the box, saw him hacked down, again giving Rhymers a penalty and the chance to put the game to bed. Gibson this
time missing the penalty after the Yethom keeper produced a good save. Ten minutes from the end Earlston wrapped up the game when
Laidlaw's corner came off the bar and player manager Gourdie was there to head in the rebound. To view photos from the game click here!
Earlston Rhymers 2 - 0 CFC Bowholm BAE DIV C 05/09/09
An injury to Nick Olesen meant Earlston had to shuffle the pack, left back Lee Martin was placed in central midfield and Armando Crolla and
Stuart Wood came in to the centre of defence for their first appearances of the season. Rhymers eventually overcame a spirited Bowholm
side but it was by no means convincing. In a dull 1st half Earlston had the best chances to score. Stevie Gillan took advantage of a mistake
in the visiting defence only to fire wide at an empty goal. Rhymers had plenty of posssesion but couldn't find a killer pass and were restricted
to shots from long range that never troubled the keeper. An injury to Gavin Coburn seen him replaced at half time by Sid Gass and he was
involved in the opener. A long kick out by goalkeeper Manderson was flicked on by Gass into the path of Martin Gibson who made no
mistake, blasting the ball past the helpless keeper from the edge of the box. This seemed to settle the home side and they soon put the
match to bed when Robert Gourdie's shot hit the back of the net after cannoning off both posts. By this time the match was turning ugly and
some reckless challenges and off the ball incidents led to Earlston's Gibson being substituted for his own good. Although Rhymers
managed to comfortably hold on for the win in this one they will have to improve if they are to challenge against the top teams in the league.
To view photos from the game click here!
An injury to Nick Olesen meant Earlston had to shuffle the pack, left back Lee Martin was placed in central midfield and Armando Crolla and
Stuart Wood came in to the centre of defence for their first appearances of the season. Rhymers eventually overcame a spirited Bowholm
side but it was by no means convincing. In a dull 1st half Earlston had the best chances to score. Stevie Gillan took advantage of a mistake
in the visiting defence only to fire wide at an empty goal. Rhymers had plenty of posssesion but couldn't find a killer pass and were restricted
to shots from long range that never troubled the keeper. An injury to Gavin Coburn seen him replaced at half time by Sid Gass and he was
involved in the opener. A long kick out by goalkeeper Manderson was flicked on by Gass into the path of Martin Gibson who made no
mistake, blasting the ball past the helpless keeper from the edge of the box. This seemed to settle the home side and they soon put the
match to bed when Robert Gourdie's shot hit the back of the net after cannoning off both posts. By this time the match was turning ugly and
some reckless challenges and off the ball incidents led to Earlston's Gibson being substituted for his own good. Although Rhymers
managed to comfortably hold on for the win in this one they will have to improve if they are to challenge against the top teams in the league.
To view photos from the game click here!
Earlston Rhymers 4 - 3 Hawick Legion Rovers BAE DIV C 12/09/09
Earlston ground out another victory on Saturday but were made to work hard for it by a spirited Hawick side. Legion threw everything at a
sluggish looking Rhymers from the get go and left the home side shell shocked as they sailed into a quick two goal lead. The second goal
seemed to act as a wakeup call for the home side and they began to get into the match. Craig Lothian, who was making his first
appearance of the season after serving a two match ban, broke from midfield and found himself one on one with the keeper who had no
option but to bring him down after he had been rounded. This resulted in the Hawick keeper being given a yellow card despite being the last
man and denying a goal scoring opportunity. When Neil Laidlaw coolly dispatched the resulting penalty The Rhymers rallied and were
somewhat unfortunate to go in at the break a goal down. The second half was end to end stuff with both teams looking dangerous on the
counter, however it was Earlston who scored first and levelled the match, Craig Lothian getting his first goal of the campaign with a well
placed shot inside the box after Hawick failed to clear Crolla's free kick. The match continued to flow both ways and Earlston then took the
lead, a Neil Laidlaw corner was expertly met by Lothian and his header hit the back of the net giving him his second of the game. After some
slack defending by Earlston at a corner and a neat volley from their striker, Hawick almost immediately pulled one back and a draw looked
the likely outcome. Rhymers seemed to step it up a gear though as they went in search of the winner and it was no surprise when it
eventually came. A good run down the left from Martin Gibson saw him hit the bye line and square the ball to supersub Craig Robertson who
smashed the ball home to complete the comeback and maintain Earlston's perfect start to the season.
Earlston ground out another victory on Saturday but were made to work hard for it by a spirited Hawick side. Legion threw everything at a
sluggish looking Rhymers from the get go and left the home side shell shocked as they sailed into a quick two goal lead. The second goal
seemed to act as a wakeup call for the home side and they began to get into the match. Craig Lothian, who was making his first
appearance of the season after serving a two match ban, broke from midfield and found himself one on one with the keeper who had no
option but to bring him down after he had been rounded. This resulted in the Hawick keeper being given a yellow card despite being the last
man and denying a goal scoring opportunity. When Neil Laidlaw coolly dispatched the resulting penalty The Rhymers rallied and were
somewhat unfortunate to go in at the break a goal down. The second half was end to end stuff with both teams looking dangerous on the
counter, however it was Earlston who scored first and levelled the match, Craig Lothian getting his first goal of the campaign with a well
placed shot inside the box after Hawick failed to clear Crolla's free kick. The match continued to flow both ways and Earlston then took the
lead, a Neil Laidlaw corner was expertly met by Lothian and his header hit the back of the net giving him his second of the game. After some
slack defending by Earlston at a corner and a neat volley from their striker, Hawick almost immediately pulled one back and a draw looked
the likely outcome. Rhymers seemed to step it up a gear though as they went in search of the winner and it was no surprise when it
eventually came. A good run down the left from Martin Gibson saw him hit the bye line and square the ball to supersub Craig Robertson who
smashed the ball home to complete the comeback and maintain Earlston's perfect start to the season.
Earlston Rhymers 3 - 1 CFC Bowholm BAE DIV C 19/09/09
The game started brightly with both teams playing some good football & it was the visitors who took the lead when a miss kick from the
Bowholm keeper was allowed to bounce up the park to the striker who slotted home from 10 yards. Earlston were perhaps the better of the
sides and were rewarded when Robert Gourdie, whom was playing despite being injured, beat the off side trap to slam a left foot volley off
the bar and in. The second half started where it left off with the home side in the driving seat and midway through the half a great run and
cross from Robertson was met by the head of Gourdie to double his tally. The game was over when Gourdie completed his hatrick with a left
foot strike from the edge of the area.
The game started brightly with both teams playing some good football & it was the visitors who took the lead when a miss kick from the
Bowholm keeper was allowed to bounce up the park to the striker who slotted home from 10 yards. Earlston were perhaps the better of the
sides and were rewarded when Robert Gourdie, whom was playing despite being injured, beat the off side trap to slam a left foot volley off
the bar and in. The second half started where it left off with the home side in the driving seat and midway through the half a great run and
cross from Robertson was met by the head of Gourdie to double his tally. The game was over when Gourdie completed his hatrick with a left
foot strike from the edge of the area.
Earlston Rhymers 8 - 0 Tweedmouth BAE DIV C 19/09/09
The first 20 minutes of this encounter was evenly matched with few chances created by either team. Tweedmouth did create a couple of
shooting chances in the first half but where unable to find the target shooting wide and over the bar never really troubling Lee Manderson in
the Earlston goal.
The deadlock was broken by Earlston when a ball played from the midfield found Craig Bell in the box, although tightly marked he managed
to turn his marker and fire the ball into the bottom corner of the net to put the Rhymers one up after 24 minutes. In the 35th minute Earlston
doubled their tally when Gary Lothian turned in a Martin Gibson corner.
Second half Tweedmouth started strong and must have thought they had pulled one back when a well struck shot heading for the top right
hand corner of the goal was superbly saved by Manderson in the Rhymers goal. This near miss seemed to give Earlston the kick start they
needed as they seemed to step up a gear and started pushing the ball about well, after some good play down the left hand side of the park
by Gibson they where awarded for their good football when Robert Gourdie headed home his cross in the 50th minute. Tweedmouth still
worked hard and where playing well when they conceded another 2 goals in quick succession firstly from Martin Gibson and then Craig
Lothian taking Earlston's tally to 5, the Rhymers never looked back from this point and never took their foot off the gas adding 3 further goals
from Gourdie after the Tweedmouth keeper fumbled the ball on his six yard line, Craig Lothian firing in a low shot into the bottom corner after
some neat footwork in the box, and finally Gibson who's right foot shot from the right hand side of the box appeared to go straight through the
Tweedmouth keeper.
After a well matched first half Earlston Rhymers came out deserved winners following a very solid and convincing second half preformance.
The first 20 minutes of this encounter was evenly matched with few chances created by either team. Tweedmouth did create a couple of
shooting chances in the first half but where unable to find the target shooting wide and over the bar never really troubling Lee Manderson in
the Earlston goal.
The deadlock was broken by Earlston when a ball played from the midfield found Craig Bell in the box, although tightly marked he managed
to turn his marker and fire the ball into the bottom corner of the net to put the Rhymers one up after 24 minutes. In the 35th minute Earlston
doubled their tally when Gary Lothian turned in a Martin Gibson corner.
Second half Tweedmouth started strong and must have thought they had pulled one back when a well struck shot heading for the top right
hand corner of the goal was superbly saved by Manderson in the Rhymers goal. This near miss seemed to give Earlston the kick start they
needed as they seemed to step up a gear and started pushing the ball about well, after some good play down the left hand side of the park
by Gibson they where awarded for their good football when Robert Gourdie headed home his cross in the 50th minute. Tweedmouth still
worked hard and where playing well when they conceded another 2 goals in quick succession firstly from Martin Gibson and then Craig
Lothian taking Earlston's tally to 5, the Rhymers never looked back from this point and never took their foot off the gas adding 3 further goals
from Gourdie after the Tweedmouth keeper fumbled the ball on his six yard line, Craig Lothian firing in a low shot into the bottom corner after
some neat footwork in the box, and finally Gibson who's right foot shot from the right hand side of the box appeared to go straight through the
Tweedmouth keeper.
After a well matched first half Earlston Rhymers came out deserved winners following a very solid and convincing second half preformance.
Hawick Legion Ringers 4 - 4 Earlston Rhymers BAE DIV C 03/10/09
Earlston Rhymers dropped their first points of the season on Saturday in a highly entertaining game at Wilton Park. The home side meant
business and started with a number of their Division A teams players, this however did not stop the Rhymers from taking the lead when a
Martin Gibson corner from the right was met by the head of Gary Lothian. Earlston continued to have the better of the home side throughout
the first half but couldn't convert possesion and chances into goals. 12 minutes into the second half they were made to pay for this when the
substitute Lee Martin turned a dangerous cross into his own net letting Legion Rovers back into the match. This seemed to galvanise the
Hawick side and they quickly swept into a 3-1 lead after two rapid goals. To their credit Earlston heads never went down and they were
rewarded when Gary Lothian got his second, beating the offside trap and cooly slotting home to get his team back in the match. Hawick now
found themselves under significant pressure and their defence buckled when a long ball up the park was smashed home by striker Craig
Bell after he had powered his way through the home defence. There now looked ti be only one winner and the Rhymers thought they h ad
the points when Bell got his second after a superb half-volley from the edge of the box. This game however had another twist and that came
when poor defending allowed in a Hawick attacker ti level the match. Earlston goalkeeper Manderson was injured shortly after and having
used all substitutes Gourdie was forced into goals but the Rhymers held on for a more than deserved draw.
Earlston Rhymers dropped their first points of the season on Saturday in a highly entertaining game at Wilton Park. The home side meant
business and started with a number of their Division A teams players, this however did not stop the Rhymers from taking the lead when a
Martin Gibson corner from the right was met by the head of Gary Lothian. Earlston continued to have the better of the home side throughout
the first half but couldn't convert possesion and chances into goals. 12 minutes into the second half they were made to pay for this when the
substitute Lee Martin turned a dangerous cross into his own net letting Legion Rovers back into the match. This seemed to galvanise the
Hawick side and they quickly swept into a 3-1 lead after two rapid goals. To their credit Earlston heads never went down and they were
rewarded when Gary Lothian got his second, beating the offside trap and cooly slotting home to get his team back in the match. Hawick now
found themselves under significant pressure and their defence buckled when a long ball up the park was smashed home by striker Craig
Bell after he had powered his way through the home defence. There now looked ti be only one winner and the Rhymers thought they h ad
the points when Bell got his second after a superb half-volley from the edge of the box. This game however had another twist and that came
when poor defending allowed in a Hawick attacker ti level the match. Earlston goalkeeper Manderson was injured shortly after and having
used all substitutes Gourdie was forced into goals but the Rhymers held on for a more than deserved draw.
Gala United 2 - 3 Earlston Rhymers Collie Cup Quarter Final 10/10/09
The football wasn't pretty at Tweedbank on Saturday but Gala United manager Mike Ramsay's hair certainly was! United started the brighter
and some early pressure forced Manderson into a good save from a John Crawford drive. The Gala team dominated the first half and
should have scored early when Gass hit the post after rounding the goal keeper, seconds later Crawford was again unlucky as he fired
inches wide from the edge of the area. The inevitable came when Crawford ran through the hopeless Earlston defence and his shot was
helped into the net by rhymers Gary Lothian. This prompted Earlston into action and they immediately fought back when Barnes in the home
goal failed to deal with a Niel Laidlaw free kick and Lee Martin fired in the rebound. Despite this set back Gala continued to look the better
side but just couldn't convert the numerous chances the rhymers were handing them into goals. They were made to pay for this when
against the run of play, Robert Gourdie put the away team in front with the last kick of the first half. The Rhymers started the second half
better after strong words from coach Aidan Hume at half time and they soon increased their lead. A Niel Laidlaw corner was headed in by
Craig Lothian despite Gourdie trying to claim the goal after getting a touch when it was 3 yards over the line! Earlston began to look assured
but some slack defensive play allowed Gala to get back in the game. Nobody appeared to want to close down Tweedie and he shot and
scored from distance to give his team a chance. This again spurred the home team on and they once again began to create chances but
these were wasted by strikers Andy Crawford and Gass. As the end neared the boys in pink seemed more interested in bickering between
themselves than playing football and the rhymers held on for a somewhat unconvincing win and place in the semi-final!
The football wasn't pretty at Tweedbank on Saturday but Gala United manager Mike Ramsay's hair certainly was! United started the brighter
and some early pressure forced Manderson into a good save from a John Crawford drive. The Gala team dominated the first half and
should have scored early when Gass hit the post after rounding the goal keeper, seconds later Crawford was again unlucky as he fired
inches wide from the edge of the area. The inevitable came when Crawford ran through the hopeless Earlston defence and his shot was
helped into the net by rhymers Gary Lothian. This prompted Earlston into action and they immediately fought back when Barnes in the home
goal failed to deal with a Niel Laidlaw free kick and Lee Martin fired in the rebound. Despite this set back Gala continued to look the better
side but just couldn't convert the numerous chances the rhymers were handing them into goals. They were made to pay for this when
against the run of play, Robert Gourdie put the away team in front with the last kick of the first half. The Rhymers started the second half
better after strong words from coach Aidan Hume at half time and they soon increased their lead. A Niel Laidlaw corner was headed in by
Craig Lothian despite Gourdie trying to claim the goal after getting a touch when it was 3 yards over the line! Earlston began to look assured
but some slack defensive play allowed Gala to get back in the game. Nobody appeared to want to close down Tweedie and he shot and
scored from distance to give his team a chance. This again spurred the home team on and they once again began to create chances but
these were wasted by strikers Andy Crawford and Gass. As the end neared the boys in pink seemed more interested in bickering between
themselves than playing football and the rhymers held on for a somewhat unconvincing win and place in the semi-final!
Earlston Rhymers 2 - 3 Greig Park Rangers Scottish Cup 2nd Round 17/10/09
The Rhymers suffered their first defeat of the season on Saturday as they were simply outclassed by their opponents from Fife. Rhymers
struggled to field a team and were forced to start with the injured pairing of Lee Martin and Martin Gibson on the left who had shoulder and
calf problems respectively. It was backs to the wall for the home side from the get go as the away teams slick passing and sharp
movement caused all sorts of problems for the Earlston defence. Surprisingly though it was the rhymers who took the lead after a good
counter attacking move ended with goal machine Craig Bell blasting a shot from the edge of the box, which must have seen the ball travel at
approximately 80mph, into the bottom corner of the net giving the keeper nay chance! Rangers never let this effect them and were creating
chance after chance but to the C division sides credit defenders Gordon Watson, Stuart Wood, Gary Lothian and Lee Martin were playing a
blinder to stop them from coming to anything. To the amazement of the capacity crowd at Runciman Park Earlston held on to their lead untill
half time. The Rhymers may have fancied their chances after the break had they been able to frustrate the Gers by keeping it tight for the first
20 minutes of the half, they didn't. They were undone when the impressive Greig Park central midfielder, a man named "the dog", fired in a
shot from distance and celebrated in true world cup style just minutes after the restart. Earlston continued to defend well and their fans must
have thought it might be their day when Greig Park player Darren Novo hit the post when faced with an open goal. This just delayed the
inevitable and the away team got what they deserved shortly after when that man "dog" got his second to break Rhymers hearts. The game
was over as a contest when Papac took advantage of a mistake by the goal keeper to get his sides third. The home side kept working hard
and got a consolation in stoppage time when Craig Lothian was practically assaulted in the box and Neil Laidlaw scored from the spot.
The Rhymers suffered their first defeat of the season on Saturday as they were simply outclassed by their opponents from Fife. Rhymers
struggled to field a team and were forced to start with the injured pairing of Lee Martin and Martin Gibson on the left who had shoulder and
calf problems respectively. It was backs to the wall for the home side from the get go as the away teams slick passing and sharp
movement caused all sorts of problems for the Earlston defence. Surprisingly though it was the rhymers who took the lead after a good
counter attacking move ended with goal machine Craig Bell blasting a shot from the edge of the box, which must have seen the ball travel at
approximately 80mph, into the bottom corner of the net giving the keeper nay chance! Rangers never let this effect them and were creating
chance after chance but to the C division sides credit defenders Gordon Watson, Stuart Wood, Gary Lothian and Lee Martin were playing a
blinder to stop them from coming to anything. To the amazement of the capacity crowd at Runciman Park Earlston held on to their lead untill
half time. The Rhymers may have fancied their chances after the break had they been able to frustrate the Gers by keeping it tight for the first
20 minutes of the half, they didn't. They were undone when the impressive Greig Park central midfielder, a man named "the dog", fired in a
shot from distance and celebrated in true world cup style just minutes after the restart. Earlston continued to defend well and their fans must
have thought it might be their day when Greig Park player Darren Novo hit the post when faced with an open goal. This just delayed the
inevitable and the away team got what they deserved shortly after when that man "dog" got his second to break Rhymers hearts. The game
was over as a contest when Papac took advantage of a mistake by the goal keeper to get his sides third. The home side kept working hard
and got a consolation in stoppage time when Craig Lothian was practically assaulted in the box and Neil Laidlaw scored from the spot.
Dinamo Star 4-0 Earlston Rhymers South Cup 1st round 24/10/09
Earlston once again went into this match with a depleted squad and they suffered their second exit from cup competition in as many weeks.
The rhymers never gave their travelling army of fans anything to shout about and only showed what they were capable of after going four
goals down. One positive to come from the match was the debut of Bruce Smith at left back who showed that he will be a valued member of
the squad with an assured performance. After starting last season promisingly before losing their way after being knocked out the cups
Earlston will be hoping that the same thing doesn't happen this year and that they can maintain there undefeated status in the league.
Another big cup game awaits the rhymers on Saturday when they travel to local rivals Lauder for the semi-final of the Collie Cup, lets hope it
will be third time lucky!!!
Earlston once again went into this match with a depleted squad and they suffered their second exit from cup competition in as many weeks.
The rhymers never gave their travelling army of fans anything to shout about and only showed what they were capable of after going four
goals down. One positive to come from the match was the debut of Bruce Smith at left back who showed that he will be a valued member of
the squad with an assured performance. After starting last season promisingly before losing their way after being knocked out the cups
Earlston will be hoping that the same thing doesn't happen this year and that they can maintain there undefeated status in the league.
Another big cup game awaits the rhymers on Saturday when they travel to local rivals Lauder for the semi-final of the Collie Cup, lets hope it
will be third time lucky!!!
Lauder 1 - 3 Earlston Rhymers Collie Cup Semi - Final 31/10/09
The Rhymers booked their place in the final of the Collie Cup at the expense of local rivals Lauder. The home team started the match the
brighter but found themselves behind after Gary Lothian headed in a Martin Gibson corner. Lauder continued to play the better stuff
throughout the first half but never really threatened Manderson in the Earlston goal, they were made to pay for this when Lothian got his
second. Neil Laidlaw's well delivered free kick was again met by the central defender who powered a header across goal and into the
corner of the net. A moment of controversy in the second half saw Lauder pull one back, their striker appearing to batter Manderson to the
ground before putting the ball in the net but to the amazement of the capacity crowd the referee let it stand. This seemed to give the Lauder
fans hope but it would be short lived. Dinger Bell scores goals for fun this season and he picked up the ball on the edge of the Lauder box
before turning and unleashing a ferocious drive that went straight through the home keeper, shattering Lauder dreams in the process and
sending Earlston into the final.
The Rhymers booked their place in the final of the Collie Cup at the expense of local rivals Lauder. The home team started the match the
brighter but found themselves behind after Gary Lothian headed in a Martin Gibson corner. Lauder continued to play the better stuff
throughout the first half but never really threatened Manderson in the Earlston goal, they were made to pay for this when Lothian got his
second. Neil Laidlaw's well delivered free kick was again met by the central defender who powered a header across goal and into the
corner of the net. A moment of controversy in the second half saw Lauder pull one back, their striker appearing to batter Manderson to the
ground before putting the ball in the net but to the amazement of the capacity crowd the referee let it stand. This seemed to give the Lauder
fans hope but it would be short lived. Dinger Bell scores goals for fun this season and he picked up the ball on the edge of the Lauder box
before turning and unleashing a ferocious drive that went straight through the home keeper, shattering Lauder dreams in the process and
sending Earlston into the final.