KEGS AND HENDO END ENDIES VICTORY FAMINE

By Gary McKenzie
January 30 2003

Scottish League Division 3, Saturday 25 January 2003, Links Park, Montrose. Montrose 2 (Henderson (46), Kerrigan (78)) Elgin City 0

This re-arragned fixture was played in a strong wind, and the park looked like it was hard and bumpy. As a result, both sides found it difficult, although Montrose at least tried to play good passing football. Barry Donnachie and Paul Riley made their home debuts, and perfomed proficiently in the first half. Montrose, playing with the wind, took early control of the match and spent long periods camped in the Elgin half.

Just as the half-time whistle approached, and we were beginning to wonder if the lack of prowess/luck in front of goal was about to dog us once again, Robbie Henderson, who had had an excellent half down the right wing for Montrose, stole in to knock home a loose ball after Kerrigan had hit the post and the ball was parried by the Elgin keeper. That was 46 minutes and the referee blew for half-timne shortly afterwards.

Gibson was replaced by Conway at half-time, and Montrose started as they finished the first half, although Elgin certainly came more into the match, playing with the wind. The Montrose defence held out against a couple of close Elgin chances, both coming from inswinging corners, and, after what looked like a reasonable Montrose penalty claim was turned down, Stevie Kerrigan punced from a Montrose corner on 78 minutes to bullet home a header to seal a very welcome and deserved three points.

The team certainly looked more determined and professional in their approach. Whether this was down to the new blood and/or the influence of new coach, Henry Hall, is impossible to say. As is whether Montrose's rehabilitation has truly begun. If we can play like this to the end of the season, however, we'll win more than we lose.

Mo Team

McGlynn, Donnachie, Christie, McQuillan, Ferguson, Gibson, Johnson, Riley, Kerrigan, Henderson, McDonald.

Subs: Munro, Brand, Thompson, Conway, Hankinson.