Strollers lined up for their 3rd league game with a slightly different starting line up, an enforced change due to Dillons absence saw Carson slot in at right back with Wallace moved inside to centre half. Apart from that change it was the same side who won the first 2 league games 1-0.
It became apparent early on that Redhall Star are a good outfit and easy to see why they are expected to do very well this season, however the intimidation they try to use to their advantage is something that can ruin a game and sadly thats what happened in this one as the referee gave Redhall every major decision.
Strollers took an early lead when stand out performer Thomson won a succession of challenges in the middle of the park, the ball fell to Brown who clipped the ball over the top for Langstaff to run on to. Langstaff took one touch and then stroked a very composed finish past the keeper. The Redhall players were screaming for offside and it was a tough one to call, however the ref let the goal stand.
Redhall however came roaring back into the game and their big striker scored a terrific leveller, taking one touch and hooking a volley into the top corner of the net.
It was becoming a scrappy affair and the away side were complaining about a lot of decisions which seemed to affect the way they were knocking the ball around.
Brown and Annand both almost forced the ball home from a corner after a goalmouth scramble but the Redhall keeper done well to scramble it out for a corner.
Strollers keeper Allen also made a couple of very good saves to keep the scores level.
It looked like the sides were going to go in level at half-time but unfortunately for the Strollers the away side went in front with a very debatable goal. The striker clearly handballed the goal in the build up but with the Strollers side screaming for a free-kick it broke kindly for the Redhall player to fire home from close range.
Wallace and Thomson were both struggling with knocks at half-time and with Strollers getting ready to make a change early in the 2nd half, Redhall went further infront as the big striker bulleted a header home from 18 yards.
Wallace was replaced by Burden with Langstaff dropping to left midfield, Clement into the centre and Thomson moving back to centre half where he would put in a terrific last 40 minutes earning him the Man of the Match vote from the Strollers players.
Then came the big talking points of the game, the Redhall left back punched McPherson in an off-the-ball incident which the referee missed, moments later the Redhall left back ran into McPhersons arm and crumpled to the floor claiming an elbow, the ref bought the cheating and showed a straight red to McPherson.
This was a real test of character for the Strollers now, down to 10 men and 3-1 down but they battled well to the end. Redhall were content to keep the ball but it was the Strollers who looked more dangerous going forward, good link up play from Burden and Brown say Ritchie Paul have a chance, he hit the target with a decent strike but the keeper held well.
Carson then fed Burden who cut back for Gaunt who from close range fired high over the bar.
Redhall also had a couple of chances towards the end but Thomson and Watt were defending brilliantly and limited the chances of the away side.
A disappointing first defeat for the Strollers but they can be happy with the way they battled right to the end.
Next game is on Wednesday night and it will be a very tough match against free scoring Hermiston Vale who top the league with 3 wins from 3 so far.
