Published: Wednesday, 26th November, 2008 2:12pm

Rhu so close to Gartcosh victory

GARTCOSH UTD 1 RHU AMS 1

AFTER last Saturday"s defeat against Viewfield in the West of Scotland Cup it was back to league business for Rhu with a trip to Gartcosh.

Rhu made one change from last Saturday"s starting 11, Petchy replacing the injured Gibson, and started the game well controlling the midfield with only the final ball letting them down.

Gartcosh"s defenders were making their presence felt as Rhu pushed for an opener. Smallwood almost broke through but the ball was cleared before he could get an effort on goal.

Davie Phillips was next to have an effort, but the home keeper saved his shot from the edge of the box.

The heavy conditions were making it difficult for both teams to pass the ball accurately and defences were on top. With very few chances to talk of the first half finished goalless.

Rhu may have had the better of the first half but Gartcosh were beginning to get the ball forward early and Rhu"s defence and keeper Heron in particular were having a busier time at the beginning of the second half.

Rhu worked their way back into the game and took the lead mid-way through the half with a well-worked goal. A McMillan cross from the left was knocked on by Falconer and Phillips got there first to hit the ball home off the left-hand post.

The game was going from end to end now as Gartcosh searched for the equaliser. With fifteen minutes left they got it when their striker broke into the box from the left and found the net at the bottom right corner.

Gartcosh were on top now and Rhu had keeper Heron to thank when he produced several top-class saves to earn Rhu the point their overall play deserved.

Rhu: Heron, MacDonald, McMillan, Brodie, Miller, Phillips, Petchy, Scullion, Smallwood, Falconer, Black. Subs. Cunningham, Potter.

On Saturday Rhu are at home to Glasgow University in a league game, kick-off 2pm.