A windswept Charlotte Street saw the lads take on current league champions and treble winners Monifieth for the fourth time this season. Having lost heavily in two of the previous games, the boys were determined to correct this state of affairs.
We started the game well, playing into a strong wind, and took the lead on 7 minutes. Good pressure from Ben Garrick on the visitors defence saw the ball break out to Cavan McLaren, and from 22 yards he fired an unstoppable swerving volley with the outside of his foot into the top corner, a quality strike, 1-0.
A tremendous sliding block from Morgan Harrow prevented Monifieth from drawing level on 11 minutes, top class defending from the centreback.
Braden Batley fired just wide on 16 minutes after more great pressing and closing down forced Monifieth onto the backfoot.
Keir Skinner and Cavan were winning the midfield battle and we looked the more threatening side going forward.
When Monifieth got in behind us, the wind was often carrying the ball straight through to Sam Black in goal who was on his toes to help his defenders out.
Monifieth equalised 3 minutes before the break and this had a lot to do with the weather conditions. A corner from the right hand side was fired in and with the strong wind playing havoc, the ball drifted over everyone and into the net, 1-1. This was not the last time the wind would be involved today!
HT: 1-1
Both teams kept up an incredible workrate and desire in the second period and Monifieth, as we had done in the first half, were mastering the conditions better playing into it. They had more of the ball and were playing some good stuff without really causing Sam any notable issues at this stage.
Ben Garrick fired just over from distance on 46 minutes with a good effort.
We took the lead on the hour mark and for the second time, the wind had a hand in the goal. Lewis Thomson took a corner from the right hand side and just like Monifieth's equaliser, the ball evaded everyone and ended up in the far corner of the net, 2-1. We've certainly never been involved in a game where two goals have been scored direct from corners, so that's a first!
The lead didn't last long and a counter attack from the visitors brought the equaliser after 66 minutes, 2-2.
As the game went into the final 10 minutes, it was all to play for and both teams were intent on victory.
With just over 5 minutes remaining, it looked like we would get nothing for our efforts as Monifieth took the lead to go 3-2 up. The lads were not down and out yet and were determined to at least get level and they did just that.
Jay Black cut in from the left, away from his marker and pinged a cross to the back post. The keeper couldn't grasp it fully and Cavan was on hand to take advantage and draw the game level at 3-3.
Even as the clock ran down to the final whistle, we had one last chance from a corner but the bouncing ball in a congested penalty area deflected wide for a goal kick.
FT: 3-3
This was a good game, played in a great manner by both teams. Both outfits have good players and given the windy conditions, the football played was excellent at times.
We would have felt really hard done by if we had not taken something from this game, the lads put in a tremendous effort and proved yet again they are a match for anyone in the division.
Next week, we are on our travels to St. Madoes to play Pitfour, another tough game in store but we should go into this with confidence.
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