Published: Thursday, 21st February, 2008 09:30
Rhu goalfest lifts the spirits...and takes the team off the foot of the table
By David Christie
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HAT-TRICK: Davie Falconer was in mercurial form
Muirend 1 - Rhu 5
RHU were determined to get back to winning ways after a poor performance last week against Rothesay and they didn’t disappoint.
The 5-1 loss had set back hopes of promotion and left Bobby Dunn’s side rooted to the bottom of the table.
But this strong performance — including a Davie Falconer hat-trick — against a side sitting third, lifted Rhu off the bottom and injected new life into the promotion push.
Right from the outset, Rhu dominated their opponents. They won several corners and came close to taking the lead on a couple of occasions while Muirend’s contribution was based upon hitting on the break.
This, however, seemed unlikely with the Rhu defence in mean mood.
Although well on top, Rhu squandered their opportunities and the match was still goalless midway through the first half.
Striker Davie Falconer soon redeemed the situation, heading home his first of the afternoon.
His second came minutes before the break when he broke clear of the Muirend defence and gave the keeper no chance with a powerful finish.
Muirend came into the game at the start of the second half but still struggled to break down a determined Rhu defence.
Fifteen minutes in, Rhu went further ahead when Dougie Earl found space on the right and fired home.
Not long after, Falconer collected the
hat-trick ball when he turned and fired a low shot into the bottom right hand corner of the net with the Muirend keeper well beaten.
With 20 minutes left, rampant Rhu added a fifth courtesy of Allan Young.
Now on easy street, it was time to clear the bench with Gibson and Scullion coming on.
Despite the scoreline, Muirend kept plugging away and their endeavours were rewarded with a goal with 10 minutes left.
But it was nothing more than a consolation strike as Rhu’s team performance and Falconer’s superb hat-trick had already put the icing on the cake.
RHU: Heron, C Ross, P Ross, Miller, McMillan, Earl, Smallwood, George, Black, Young and Falconer. Subs: Gibson, Scullion, McIntyre and Walker.
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