Strollers went into this game against Standard Life looking to get back to winning ways after a poor recent run of defeats and knew they would need to improve on last weeks performance against Redpath.
Strollers started very poorly and the opposition striker had a couple of decent chances from the edge of the area but thankfully for the Strollers his finishing was poor and Wheldon was untested in the Strollers goal.
The Strollers then began making more of a game of it and the hard working Clement and Langstaff were beginning to worry the Standard Life defence, they almost took the lead when a terrific cross by Mcpherson was headed wide by Clement who really ought to have hit the target. Shortly after fantastic play by Langstaff saw him deliver a good ball into the box, Mcpherson got his head to the ball but his looping header landed on the top of the net.
It was an even game and not a great amount of football was being played, however the Strollers took the lead when Langstaff flicked the ball over the defenders head and was dragged back and the ref had no option but to give the spot-kick. It was a lovely bit of play by Langstaff and Clement stepped up to clinically place home the penalty for his 8th goal of the season and unbelievably 5 of them have came from the spot.
There werent many more chances in the first half and the Strollers went into the half-time break with a 1 goal lead.
The 2nd half was much better from the Strollers as they began playing a little more football and Standard Life were finding it difficult to create any chances due to a fantastic performance on his first start by Reade who was marshalling the defence well alongside Dillon, Wallace and Watt who all produced solid performances.
Strollers had a strong squad and brought on some of their subs around the hour mark, Burden replacing the tiring Thomson who put in a great shift on his return from injury. Tomarelli, Paul and Jamieson were all also brought on. Manager Campbell was that confident the game was won that he gave Carson a late run out in centre midfield.
Strollers took a 2 goal lead shortly after the subs were brought on, Gaunt was fouled out wide after a good run. Burden stepped up and curled a dangerous ball into the box which evaded everyone and bounced in at the back post.
Gaunt then almost grabbed an instant third, heading just over from a Burden corner.
The last chance of the game fell to Burden who struck the post with a good free-kick.
All in all it was a good win for the Strollers, however they know they can play a lot better by getting the ball down on the deck. There were 16 in the squad and everyone played their part. Strollers now have their first home game at Meggetland this season against closest challengers for 3rd place CS Strollers, a good performance will be needed to take anything from the game.
