McLeman Cup Semi-Final
Bridge of Don Thistle 4-1 Ellon United

It was another home fixture for Bridge of Don Thistle today against Ellon United playing the semi-final of the McLeman Cup. The 4-1 victory for Thistle sees them through to the final in what was an exciting match with the tempo high.

A shot just wide in the opening two minutes by the hosts with an attempt minutes later by ALEXANDER was showing Thistle were looking to play a strong game and looking for an early goal. The attempt was punched out by the Ellon keeper. This was followed by a corner from the home side but the cross by CRAIG was just a bit too far to make something from it. Ellon eventually cleared Thistle's attack on goal but were called offside to stop any threat.

Some excellent play followed with Max going on the run with the ball but losing it midfield. Thistle quickly won back the ball and a great pass from Shand allowed CRAIG to push forward, beating Ellon players up the pitch and setting up the chance for ALEXANDER who got the first goal of the match only 8 minutes in.

Bridge of Don Thistle 1-0 Ellon United

It was looking like Ellon might come back to equalise minutes later from a free kick in a dangerous position but an excellent and confident punch out by STARK set up another Thistle break finished with a wonderful strike by ALEXANDER from outside the box giving Thistle their second goal of the game at 12 minutes.

Bridge of Don Thistle 2-0 Ellon United

Thistle kept on pushing with a number of chances and attempts whilst preventing any retaliation by the away side. The game was fast paced but at the half hour mark it was still 2-0. It looked like there may have been a third right up to the end of the second half, with a shot on target by WOZNIAK at 35 minutes saved well and punched back and the second attempt not getting over the line. The first half came to an end with Thistle still with a strong lead.

HT: Bridge of Don Thistle 2-0 Ellon United

The second half whistle had barely been blown and ALEXANDER had his hat-trick.

Bridge of Don Thistle 3-0 Ellon United

Minutes later MCINNES looked like he might have got the fourth goal of the match but was knocked out for a throw in. The throw in got into the box and there was a scramble to find the net but eventually went to an Ellon goal kick. This was shortly followed by a free kick for Thistle in a dangerous position for the Ellon keeper but the defence cleared. This didn't stop the attack and CRAIG was eager for a goal going one on one against the keeper but didn't get the ball over the line. This didn't matter too much as a beautiful set up from S RENNIE 9 minutes into the second half allowed CRAIG to find the back of the net.

Bridge of Don Thistle 4-0 Ellon United

Ellon retaliated to try and get back into the game with an attempt blocked by Thistle defence to give them the corner. The attempt in box was cleared by Thistle defence and their second touch saw the ball go way over the bar. Things didn't seem to be getting any better for the travelling side with their No. 2 seeing his second yellow card to be shown a red only 15 minutes into the second half.

Thistle were playing some good football and comfortably holding onto the ball and a free kick taken by WILSON at 71 minutes saw ALEXANDER'S header go into the keepers hands. A quick ball from the Ellon keeper allowed Ellon to go on the break and with STARK on his own allowed for the away side to score.

Bridge of Don Thistle 4-1 Ellon United

Although they got a goal the day didn't improve for Ellon with their second player of the match being sent off just before going into the final 10 minutes. Thislte were looking for a fifth and it looked likely in the final minutes but the shot from CROMAR from a free kick on the edge of the box went over the bar. The hosts played it out until the final whistle taking the win which has put them into the final of the McLeman Cup.
FT: Bridge of Don Thistle 4-1 Ellon United

Bridge of Don Thistle J.F.C.

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