Capital Vs Thistle

Following last season’s brace of victories against our Auld Reekie rivals Thistle, the Capital faithful knew the opposition would be out for revenge and were therefore braced for everything to be thrown at them, including the kitchen sink. With both teams at full strength and a smorgasbord of Scotland players past and present on show, the match had all the makings of a Hollywood blockbuster!

It's fair to say, Capital didn’t get off to the start they had banked on, as Thistle came out the blocks firing on all cylinders and dominated possession from the draw. Thistle's elite duo of midfield players linked up like Batman and Robin prowling the streets of Gotham and repeatedly proved too much for the Capital midfield and defence. It wasn’t long before Thistle got on the scoreboard and then proceeded to keep it ticking over. With a well-stocked bench and some efficient subbing by manager-supreme Olive, Capital at last managed to snaffle a break through goal as a well crafted run of play resulted in Ailsa finding the back of the Thistle net following the first Thistle yellow card of the match. Unfortunately this was not enough to kick start the Capital comeback, as Thistle continued to threaten and overwhelm, building time and time again on their first half lead. The score at the half time whistle favoured Thistle 9-1 and Capital had some regrouping to do.

After much soul searching, and some tactical discussion mixed with the usual Capital banter, the team formulated a cunning game plan to restore some pride and prevent them from getting one hell of a beating.

Shortly after the start of the second half, the plan seemed to be working as the goals from Thistle dried up with possession and territory equalling themselves out between both teams. Capital ramped up the pressure forcing errors from Thistle and thus providing opportunities for the Capital attack to reduce the deficit. Ailsa scored two further goals and John got a barnstorming goal of his own, taking out several Thistle defenders and tipping the goal cage in the process. The Capital defence held firm and weathered all but one storm that came their way - hats off to Keeper Dave for pulling off some fantastic saves. Alas Capital's totally stellar team effort wasn't quite enough to steal the win and despite winning the second half, the match ended 10-4 in Thistle's favour.

Special mentions go to Lucy, Charlotte, Emily and Julia for their debutant performances in one of the toughest fixtures of the 2014/15 season. Man of the match went to Emma B for her constant running and never say die defence. All that rowing is definitely paying off!

Finally, mass thanks to all the supporters that came to watch the match. In total the combined support for both teams must have numbered a half century - surely a record for any mixed league fixture to date.