Division 2 League Fixture

Subs: Duncan Maclellan, Dave Stephens, Scott Gardner

With a host of changes yet again and another central midfield partnership PDG Choppers welcomed Paul Ansell back after his injury.  Ricky Cooper also made his debut for PDG in an unfamiliar position up front and Stuart Morrison made his first start of this season.  During the opening 15 minutes Smithton had the better possession with PDG Choppers' defence having to be quick of the mark to stop any clear cut chances.  Once the game settled, PDG Choppers enjoyed more time on the ball and started to make chances. The opening goal came when a Cooper cross was headed on by Cooke and Iain Cameron finished with a well directed strike from a tight angle at the back post.  Ansell and Morrison looked comfortable together in the middle and the defence was soaking up some pressure with Smithton having a couple of chances but it wasn't long before the lead was extended, this time with Ross Macleod controlling the ball in the box, turning and firing a shot past the keeper.  Smithton pulled one back when the opposing striker appeared to knock the ball from G.Macleods grasp with his hand and score. 

At half time Gardner replaced Cooper up front and Choppers again absorbed some pressure before Brian Cooke latched onto an excellent Ross Macleod cross and finished clinically.  At 3-1 the game opened up and Ross Macleod was finding more space wide on the left.  The goal of the match came from man of the match, the returning Paul Ansell.  Picking up the ball a full 35 yards out he scored with an audacious lob over the keeper.  It will take something special to beat that to goal of the season.  Substitue Scott Gardner rounded off PDG's scoring after finding space in the 6 yard box and slotting home.  Stephens came on for Cameron shortly before Maclellan came on for B.Macleod and the defence continued to absorb some sustained pressure from the opposition.  A few minutes from time, poor marking cost PDG a second goal but the game was seen out comfortably. 

Full Time - Smithton Hotel 2 - 5 PDG Choppers

Match Report - Nath McLaughlan