Legion secures vital win

Football

Langholm Legion 2
Jed Legion 1

FINLEY Dell was the hero of the Langholm Legion match against Jed Legion when he scored a vital goal in the 89th minute.
Langholm Legion hosted Jed Legion last Saturday in a division A fixture, with Langholm knowing a victory would almost certainly guarantee division A football next season.
In a scrappy tense opening it was the visitors who looked the more threatening, despite Langholm enjoying the bulk of possession, Jed were keeping their defence shape and looking dangerous on the break.
The visitors took the lead after a quick attack 10 minutes in when they found the Jed right winger in some space and his low angled drive flew into the net.
Legion tried to respond but attacking moves were breaking down and the Jed side were content defending deep and as the half wore on Langholm grew more and more frustrated.
It was nearly two when a defence splitting pass sent the Jed Legion striker through on goal but his goal-bound shot was deflected on to the cross bar by keeper Derek Johnson who gratefully grabbed the rebound.
Finally, Langholm brought the Jed keeper into action when a long-distance drive from Ali Little was tipped over the bar and from the resulting corner Lee Irving headed just over.
Into the second half and Langholm were dominating the game, but Jed were defending manfully throwing bodies in and clearing every cross.
Langholm drew level after 10 minutes. Right winger Barry Rayson was sent down the right wing and his curling “cross” deceived everyone including the Jed keeper and crossed the line via the back post.
This was the timely boost Langholm needed and started bombarding the Jed rear-guard. Substitute Scott and Gardner combined well but the big striker’s shot was blocked, and then full back Connor Ewart dragged his shot wide in a good position.
It looked like it was going to be a point each but in the 89th minute young centre half Finley Dell latched on to a loose ball and as the Jed Legion defence dived into block, he created the space well before firing past the helpless keeper.
Jed rallied but Langholm saw out the five minutes of injury time comfortably and claimed three vital points.
Langholm Legion claimed a vital win, which is pleasing considering how poor they were in the first 45 minutes and a much improved second half saw them win, just.

Match Sponsor:
Marshall Farmer Ltd.

Team: D Johnston, C Ewart, F Dell, I Little, C Ireland, B Rayson, A Little, C Cuthbert, L Irving, S Collins, D Borthwick. Subs: C Gardner, A Wilson, T Scott (used),
R Hotson, C Pool (unused).