League Challenge Up And Running
SAFL Premier Two
Campbeltown Pupils 4 Rutherglen 1
The Fadyen sponsored Campbeltown Pupils got their league challenge of the best possible start with three valuable points at Kintyre Park last Saturday. A dominant second half put the game beyond doubt after a less than convincing opening forty-five minutes.
The young home side continue to improve, but must learn to concentrate when not in possession of the ball. As usual, Paul Grumoli showed his appetite for the game when he latched onto a free kick to head firmly into the net in the seventeenth minute of the match. Rutherglen were causing problems on the break, and were far from down and out as they continued to threaten the home defence. The visitors drew level when a fine pass sent their centre forward through on goal, his parting shot struck with venom to equalise as half time approached.
There was far more energy about the home side’s play in the second half, something that has been a feature of recent games. The movement and distribution of the ball was much quicker, a tempo Rutherglen were unable to match. A slack pass-back allowed G Grant to latch onto the ball, the Pupils striker toe-poking the ball beyond the stranded goalkeeper to walk the ball into the net on the hour.
The pace of G Croll was causing the visitors all sorts of bother, and, after forcing a corner on the right, the ball was driven home from close range by centre half Sorlay McKinven to extend the home side’s lead. Substitute Dougie Guy completed the scoring when he steered the ball home from a G Croll cut-back.
In recent weeks the home side have played there way into the match after a sluggish start. The management will look for a higher tempo throughout the ninety minutes as the home side post their challenge for promotion.
Campbeltown Pupils are at home to unbeaten newcomers Hillington AFC at Kintyre Park tomorrow Saturday 1st September.