Dumfries started very strongly with sweeping passing moves being composed from the back, through midfield to the attackers. Hillhead were lucky not to concede two very early goals with fine strikes from Mcfarlane and Brown. The inevitable breakthrough came from Kershaw, assisted by McFarlane in the 12th minute. At that point Dumfries seemed able to score at any point and quickly added a second after great team work and a finishing strike from Brown. The apparent ease of the 2:0 lead was probably the Dumfries downfall. Stepping off the throttle led to Hillhead bringing a goal back. This obviously aggrieved the Dumfries side who quickly galvanised and Brown got his second and the teams third, restoring the two goal lead and making the half time score 3:1 to Dumfries.

Captain Redman’s half time talk emphasised the importance of “the next goal”. As is often the case this was the kiss of death. Hillhead made the score 2:3 early in the second half and then produced two very clear opportunities to equalise fortunately snuffed out by the still simmering Steele.
Order was restored by Rennie who took control of the defensive zone allowing the youthful midfield and attack to launch a series of attacks, dominating possession and causing many opportunities. McFarlane coming close with a number of chances. A period of excellent work from Brown, Kershaw, Little and Harris, Drysdale, McFarlane and Kerr, working as together and as hard as the Trumpton fire brigade, led to a fourth goal. Scrambled over the line by Nathan Bean.

Hillhead were beaten by the stronger team. A 4:2 victory was not a reflection of the number of Dumfries chances. On another day it could have been many more.

Man of the Match: Birthday boy Freddie Brown.
A special reporter mention must go to Adam Kerr for his defensive work.