Langholm sealed their first win of 2023 on Saturday after a vastly improved performance from their heavy defeat the previous week. With a strong squad to choose from, manager Jock Thomson opted for a change in formation, with a focus on defence being key to Langholm securing the 3 points.

Both teams started strongly, Langholm trying to spread the ball along the back line and work the ball into the opponent’s half, whilst Stow opted for a direct approach and looked to play the ball over the top of the defence. Legion soon found their opener, after already having come close to scoring from a corner twice, Finley Dell was finally able to convert another headed effort for the season.

A second was to follow not long after, Ali Little was able to pick up on a loose pass from the stow midfielder and evaded a challenge before taking the ball past the Stow left-back and crossing the ball into the box, where Brian Mattinson was able to finesse the ball past the keeper.
Any confidence Langholm gained from this goal was short-lived as Stow quickly responded. A quickly taken corner left Langholm scrambling to pick up their men, a lack of organisation leaving an easy head to allow Stow back into the game. The referee blowing his whistle for half-time shortly afterwards.

The second half started with what seemed like a shift in momentum, Stow were putting Langholm under pressure a little bit of pressure and they were quickly rewarded. Langholm not having learnt their lesson from the first goal, conceded again as another quick corner was taken and despatched in a similar manner to the first.

Langholm, not to be disheartened, stuck at their game plan. Barring the two goals conceded they were defensively sound and weren’t allowing Stow many chances on goal, whilst creating plenty of opportunities themself. Cole Hamilton scored Langholm’s next, his pace allowed him to latch onto a bouncing ball after a miscommunication between the stow keeper left them both in no man’s land, and Hamilton was allowed to slot the ball into an empty net.
Langholm restored their 2-goal lead as another fantastic Cuthbert corner was met by captain Lee Irving who rose above the Stow defence and nodded the ball downwards leaving the keeper with little chance.
The final goal for Langholm would make for a proud Borthwick household on Saturday. Veteran David Borthwick’s quick feet allowed him to dance through the defence before chipping the ball through and assisting his son, Ben Borthwick, who powered the ball into the back of the net for his first goal for the club. A monumental hug between father and son was soon interrupted by the rest of the team, celebrating what they knew was the goal that would seal the win.
Team; D.Johnson, C.Pool, F.Dell, L.Irving, C.Grieve, A.Little, C.Cuthbert, R.Johnstone, D.Winter, C.Hamilton, B.Mattinson
Subs used; B.Winter, T.Henderson, A.Whittal, B.Bortwick, D.Borthwick