Gretna on goalless terms

Apr 29 2009 by Our Correspondent, Dumfries Standard Wednesday

THE TWO new boys to the East of Scotland League, both still chasing promotion, shared the points on a sunny afternoon in Stirling.

Gretna started the match strongly with some good passing play and Steven Rudd shot wide after four minutes.

On 16 minutes, David Seggie’s cross was met by the head of Tony Nicholson who scored, only for the linesman to signal late that one of the other Gretna players had been in an offside position.

The injustice spurred the visitors on but Stirling came back into the game with a shot just wide on 24 minutes and an excellent save being forced from John Jamieson who had a good day in the Gretna goal.

From his goal kick, Gretna pressed quickly and Tony Nicholson forced an equally good save from the Stirling keeper.

Gretna had the chance to take the lead just before half-time when they were awarded a free kick just outside the box, but Dean Rea’s weak shot was saved.

In the second half, Gretna dominated, although Stirling were dangerous on the counter attack.

A combination of poor finishing and excellent goalkeeping meant that the game finished goalless.

Gretna: John Jamieson, Ross Johnston, Dean Rea, John Jardine, Nikki White, Steven Rudd, Ryan Errington, David Seggie, Tony Nicholson, Daniel Jeffrey, Daniel Carmichael.

Substitutes: Adam McMath, Simon Ruddick, Curtis Wood, Sean Bannon, Shaun Milligan.

Attendance: 82.