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  • Tain Thistle 2-1 Lairg Rovers | Latest News | Tain Thistle AFC
  • Tain Thistle 2-1 Lairg Rovers

    Tain Thistle ambled their way to victory against a Lairg Rovers side set up to contain the Jags. The match was the Jags' second friendly of the pre-season, having beaten Golspie Stafford two weeks ago.<br /><br />With manager Robert Ross himself unavailable and the only notable absentees being the vacationing Ayah Rattanaphithak, a work-hungry Martyn Farquhar and professional learners John Maclellan and Ryan Johnston, Thistle welcomed additions Andy Ripley, Chris Mailley and Mark Munro to the side.<br /><br />In goal for the first half, young John Allan enjoyed a quiet time of things as Thistle pressed. They struggled, however, to find their stride against a stubborn Lairg back line. <br /><br />Darran Goller could have scored early on with an impressive volley, forcing a save before Brand's effort on the rebound was also held. Only minutes later, Daniel Christie missed a chance to put Tain ahead when he sent a free kick over the bar. <br /><br />The Rovers nearly stunned Tain on the break after a quarter hour of play however, with a header that flew inches wide from close range.<br /><br />The quick forward play of Goller and Rostock paid off on 21 minutes, as the former laid off for the latter to tap home from close range. Goller could have extended the Jags lead moments later, but his effort flew over.<br /><br />Ian Christie, standing in for the gaffer, substituted six players at half time, introducing Ripley and Mailley, along with goalkeeper Steven Wemyss, Chris Gordon, Kieran Cunningham and in action for the first time this year, Andrew Sutherland.<br /><br />With the wind picking up and blowing in Lairg's favour, Thistle found themselves prone to the counter, but clever defensive positioning from Sutherland and Christie, later replaced by Munro, saw them quick to react.<br /><br />Despite the weather disadvantage, the Jags kept possession and pushed for a breakthrough amidst a packed Rovers' box.<br /><br />Despite efforts from Andy Durrand, Gordon and Goller, and some clever creative play from Cunningham, the second finally came from Rostock, as the forward's blistering run was finished with finesse, curling a right foot shot into the top corner.<br /><br />Any comfort that the second goal offered was quickly written off as a laxed Thistle defence allowed Lairg in behind to beat goalkeeper Wemyss to make it 2-1.<br /><br />With a few minutes left, Rostock could have had his hat-trick but his shot flew over.<br /><br /><b>Team:</b><br />Allan (Wemyss), Cameron (Gordon), Graham (Mailley), A Christie, Brand (Sutherland), Munro (Cunningham), Cowie, Rostock (Ripley), Goller, D Christie, Durrand<br /><br /><b>Goals:</b><br />Rostock 21, 82

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