Strollers took on Standard Life in the 2nd game of the Jimmy Travers cup looking to build on their opening game 0-0 draw with Redpath. Strollers were missing top scorer Clement from suspension and went with a front two of Burden and Langstaff who were to miss a host of chances between them throughout the match, Strolllers were also missing keeper Allan so Chris Banks stepped up and took the gloves for the match.
Strollers started the game sluggishly but created the first opportunity, Burden's throgh ball found Langstaff but his attempted dink over the keeper drifted harmlessly wide. It was then Burden's turn to waste a golden opportunity, played through by a lovely Dillon pass, Burden found himself one on one but tried to lob the keeper on the volley with his weaker left foot and it really was a dismal effort sailing high and wide.
These misses were to prove costly as Standard Life took the lead in the 20th minute, Banks tried to pass the ball out to Dillon but the Standard Life striker nipped in and prodded the ball into the empty Strollers net.
This was a huge setback for the Strollers as up until that point the home side hadnt looked like scoring.
Strollers did however fight there way back into the match quickly, Burden's free kick was met by Mcpherson with header into the danger area which fortunately struck Gaunt and flew past the despairing Standard Life keeper. Strollers then had a great chance to take the lead, Thomson heading just wide from Burden's corner. Gaunt also had a decent effort from the edge of the box which the keeper held well.
It was looking like only a matter of time before the Strollers took the lead and they really should have on the stroke of half time. Thomson played a stunning ball over the top right into the path of Burden, he had plenty of time to take a touch and decide what to do but for the 2nd time in the match he opted to try take it first time on the volley, this time on his stronger foot but although closer than his first effort the result was the same, the ball dropping a couple of feet over the bar.
Half Time
Standard Life 1 - 1 LBG Strollers
Strollers went into the 2nd half knowing that they would have to start taking their chances or they would end up with a disappointing result and straight from the off they had yet another terrific opportunity, this time Mcpherson sent Langstaff clean through but again he went for the lob and it was way over the bar.
Ross Mcpherson was beggining to become more of an influence on the match as was Matt Gaunt and it was centre midfielder Mcpherson that put the Strollers infront, good play by Willison on the left saw him lay off to Burden, Burden's spotted the run of Mcpherson and played a through ball and Mcphersons finish was perfection as it struck the inside of the post before going in.
The Strollers may have thought this was going to lead to more goals for them but Standard Life came back into the match very quickly, a diagonal ball caught out the defence and the unmarked Standard Life player headed home.
Again the Strollers fought back and got themselves back in front when lovely wing play from Gaunt saw him beat his man and cut it back for the on-rushing left back Searl who crashed a terrific first time strike into the net. It was a deserved goal from Man of the match Searl who was playing in an unfamiliar position at left back.
This looked like the winning goal but there was still a sting in the tail for the Strollers as the Standard Life substitute was allowed to much time on the edge of the box and his strike found the far corner of the net.
A decent performance from the Strollers but a disappointing result as they should have got at least 6 or 7 goals but credit to Standard Life for battling right to the end nd snatching a late point.
Man of the Match was Aaron Searl who played very well throughout and popped up to score what looked like the winner with a brilliant strike.
