Courage and Commitment (for 35 mins)

We were lethargic and careless in possession, and despite the opposition not offering much of a threat they got an early corner which found its way into the net.

Fortunately we rallied a little and when McNally stole the ball inside the circle his pass to Founds was slotted home for the equaliser.

Despite having the upper hand we didn't do enough to get another goal so we knew we had to raise our game for the second half.

Last week's game was a good first half, poor second. This week was the complete reverse. We picked up the pace and closed them down, moving the ball faster to give us better possession and much more of a cutting edge.

We won a series of corners which ended up with a Mike White shot being deflected in by McNally to give us a well deserved lead.

Unfortunately this was followed up by the somewhat controversial award of a penalty flick when a raised shot (going wide) was deflected into Ede's body. Dangerous or not? Difficult to say, but Millar stood no chance with the flick and we were back to all square.

It was harsh, but we knew natural justice had to prevail!

We continued our spirited response and kept the ball well to create more chances which we were unable to convert—until a good pass across the circle found Drennan unmarked and he punished ESM by sending a rocket past the keeper from the edge of the circle.

It was a well deserved win, particularly based on the second half performance. Next week we face the Development on Saturday and then Falkirk on Sunday in the Plate semi-final. We'll need to play for both halves in both games to cement our place in the top half of the league and get to the final of the plate, but based on today's performance I believe we can do it.