Published at 21:38, Wednesday, 16 May 2012

CFC Bowholm 4 Earlston Rhymers 2BOWHOLM secured the three points they needed to clinch promotion to Border League Division B after a hard-fought win against Earlston.

The home side started the game full of intent and pinned back Earlston in their own half. Their attacking play paid off on 14 minutes when top-scorer Brian Mattinson opened with a great goal through a sumptuous left-foot finish, his 33rd goal of the season.

It was all Bowholm and they made it 2-0 a few minutes later when a long throw from Jack Pool was flicked on by Stix Muir to Mickey Dawson who guided his header past the helpless keeper.

It was a great start for them but they were stunned when Earlston scored from their first attack of the game. Despite the setback, they kept attacking and controlled the rest of the half.

Chris Main put the ball over the bar from three yards with the goal gaping, while Mattinson blasted well over from eight yards.

Euan Stainthorp eased Bowholm’s nerves when he latched onto a mistake by the Earlston keeper and smashed his shot into the net. The team kept pressing but Earlson held on to keep the score to 3-1 at half time.

Earlston started the second half with a bang. Their striker picked up the ball on the left, drove into the box and hit a shot with the outside of his right foot into the top corner of the net.

The goal shook Bowholm and they spent the next 15 minutes defending against a rejuvenated Earlston. They began to get back in the game after the hour.

The midfield started to find Mattinson and he forced a fine save from the Earlston keeper. From the resultant corner Bowholm made the score 4-2.

Main sent the corner to the back post where Stix Muir rose highest and powered his header into the top of the net. Bowholm controlled the rest of the match and only great goal-keeping kept the score at 4-2, with Stainthorp and Stewart Nicholson being denied twice apiece by the keeper.

Scott Weir hit the post with a fantastic shot and, although Bowholm kept pressing, they could not add to their tally.

Jubilation greeted the final whistle as the players celebrated promotion.

Manager George Steele said: “It has been a superb season for Bowholm and they have the chance to win more silverware when they contest the final of the Sanderson Cup at Selkirk tomorrow at 6.45pm.”

Thanks to match sponsor Claire Smith of Johnstone Catering.

Team: A Turnbull, C Stewart, J Pool, N Nichol, S Weir, B Rayson, C Main, S Muir, E Stainthorp, M Dawson, B Mattinson, S Nicholson, A Paisley, A Rayson.

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