Strollers turned up to play against Dunbar Athletic anticipating a hard match as the hosts had won their opening 2 league games and Strollers were also missing a number of players. Only 12 travelled to Dunbar and they done well to come away with a point considering 3 players also picked up knocks early in the 2nd half.
The Strollers started well and realised early on that Langstaff had the beating of the full back all day long and tried to base their gameplan on getting the ball out to the winger. The first goal came early on in the game and it was a lovely goal. Carson fed Willison who in turn laid it on to Burden. Burden took a touch and played a nice ball over the top for Langstaff to run onto and lob the onrushing goalkeeper. It was a tremendous start to the match and the Strollers looked to build on it against the clearly rattled home side. Banks was causing trouble down the right flank aswell and won a couple of corners which led to nothing, however the 2nd goal followed shortly after. Burden taking a low corner and Langstaff flicking in at the near post. The 4-5-1 was working very well at this point with the wingers causing problems and Slymand holding the ball up very well.
Dunbar then slowly came back into the match without troubling stand-in keeper John Petrie. The ref handed the home side a golden chance to get back into the game when he awarded them a penalty in the 40th minute, adjudging Carson to have handled. It was a poor decision and Carson was booked for his protests. Petrie however kept the Strollers 2 up when he produced a magnificent save low to his left from the resultant penalty kick.
Half Time - Dunbar Athletic 0 - 2 LBG Strollers
Strollers came out for the 2nd half with both Carson and Thomson struggling with knocks and their cause wasnt helped shortly after when Willison also picked up a knock. Dunbar pressed early on in the 2nd half and in truth were the better side for the majority of the 2nd half. They pulled a goal back when slack marking by the Strollers midfield allowed the Dunbar midfielder a free run, he looked to curl it into the far corner which Petrie had anticipated, however he caught it wrong and the ball crept in at the near post. This gave the young Dunbar side a lift and their midfield was now overrunning the Strollers midfield, with Burden lacking fitness and Willison and Thomson carrying knocks it was a real struggle for the Strollers centre midfielders to match the runs of the Dunbar midfield.
Dunbar again had the majority of the play but Petrie did not have a lot to do. Langstaff was a lot quieter in the 2nd half as the Strollers couldnt get the ball down and find him out wide, however the Strollers missed a great chance to regain the 2 goal lead when Banks headed over when unmarked after brilliant wing play from Langstaff. Dunbar netted a 2nd when a soft free kick was awarded and the Dunbar midfielder scored his 2nd goal of the game when he nipped in front of Wallace and headed into the net from close range.
Thomson then went off as his injury meant he could barely run anymore, Slymand was brought back into the middle of the park and Dolan went upfront.
There were no further chances and the game finished 2-2.
Strollers can be very happy at picking up a point however they were a little disappointed at losing a 2 goal lead. With players to return on Monday they are looking forward to taking on Edinburgh Academicals who have 9 points from 9 so it is another very tough game.
