AHSFPS 5 Arbroath Amateurs 2

'Fp's faced local rivals Arbroath Amateurs on saturday for the third time this season. Having won the first two and scoring an impressive thirteen goals against them, Fp's were looking to continue their dominance over their old foe. Manager Smith made two forced changes from the team that beat FC Polonia two weeks previous. Gordon Smith was unavailable and Ryan Kidd was relegated to the subs bench due to a niggling injury. It was vetern Doug Lawson and the back from injury Kris Ferrier, who filled the vacant positions. Sean Horan was called up from the second team to accompany Kidd on the bench.

 With soft underfoot conditions and the pitch in a generally poor state, text book football was going to be rare. The match started in a typical derby fashion with both teams trying to gain the upperhand with determination and fight. Most of the first half was a story of half chances which neither team could capitalize on. For the Fp's, the Gall cousins, Sharp, Dall and Ferrier all seen efforts  missed. For the Amateurs it was G.Smith, Davidson and Beattie who also saw their attempts at goal fail to find the net.

 With only five minutes of an even half remaining Fp's opened the scoring. Matty Gall released Sharp down the left wing who easily beat Rae before crossing low and hard into the Amateurs box. As Mike Gall was setting his sights on goal Amateurs midfielder Davidson intercepted only to see his clearance fly into his own net.

 Fp's then managed to double their lead a minute before half time. Dalls high header in midfield was then flicked on by Matty Gall who found his cousin MIKE GALL and he nipped passed Haldane and slid the ball under the oncoming keeper.

Half Time AHSFPS 2 Arbroath Amateurs 0

Smith and Harrisons message at half time was not to get complacent and their players did not disappoint. Only five minutes into the second half Fp's got their third. A simple long throw by Dall into the box was head flicked into the net by MATTY GALL for his twenty second goal of the season.

 Amateurs then hit self destruct when Gary Smith was given his marching orders for abusive language towards the referee over an offside decision.

 The home team took full advantage and made it four with the goal of the game. Fp's back three exchanged passes before Fenwick found Lawson on the right wing. His perfect through ball was met on the run by MIKE GALL who again beat Haldane and then rounded the keeper. With the goal gaping he then fell over the ball but manage to recover in time to roll the ball into the empty net.

 By now Fp's were rampant and again it was Mike Gall at the centre of the fifth goal. Amateurs Haldanes nightmare was complete when he brought the striker down in the box. Up stepped GARY MCLAREN who rifled the spot kick passed the dispairing keeper.

 Fp's then replaced Lawson and Matty Gall with Horan and Kidd. The Amateurs also threw on a couple of subs to try and restore some pride.

 With still twenty minutes of the game remaining and much to manager Smiths disgust the Fp's took their foot well and truly off the pedal. The Amateurs young substitute Ross James was beginning to impose himself in the game and it was his pace that earned his side a corner. Although Beattie appeared to miskick the corner, Fp's front post man Ferrier took a fresh air swipe and an Amateurs forward tapped in from close range.

 The Fp players seemed to hit panic mode and only five minutes later the Amateurs pulled another goal back from another corner. This time Gillespies corner found his unmarked centre half who headed passed Saunderson in the Fp's goal.

 Although the Amateurs pressed on in the closing stages they couldn't close the deficit and the Fp's ran out deserved winners to once again claim the bragging rights.

 The man of the match award was very close between the two Gall cousins up front but it was Mike Gall who just edged it with a terrific display.

Team:Saunderson, Smith, Humphreys, Fenwick, Lawson, Ferrier, Mclaren, Dall, Sharp, Gall(c), Gall, Kidd, Horan & Harrison.