Fairmuir’s magic comeback to win league opener

Montrose Youth and Fairmuir both looked for a strong start in the DS Rennie League as the DDYFA Leagues returned last weekend.  

Montrose got the game going. In the second minute Fairmuir had possession when one of the players was tackled inside the box Fairmuir claimed it was a foul, but referee Colin Hancox didn’t think so.

The first corner of the game came in the fifth minute to Montrose. Connor Kirk swung in a good cross towards the front post, but the Fairmuir defender headed behind for another corner.

Montrose were awarded a free kick in a good position and Montrose captain Xavier McKenzie was the player to take it. He took a good strike over the wall, but his attempt flew just wide.

Following this in the seventh minute Fairmuir were in a great position to take the lead, but Montrose Youth defender Jack Faulkner produced a great tackle. The first ten minutes were back and forward with both teams having good chances with some great defending as well.

Montrose Youth then had the next big chance in the 15th minute as a cross was played into the box. It made its way to last season’s top scorer George Kennedy, and he managed to get a good shot away but Jason Irving made a great save to deny it. One minute later Montrose were awarded a penalty for a foul inside the box. Efe Hakguder stepped up and fired it into the top right corner – a strike no keeper could match – to open the scoring.

Hakguder then had another chance to double his side’s lead in the 25th minute when he took a shot from outside the box. It was a great lofted effort but it hit the crossbar and the score remained 1-0.

Montrose would then have another chance in the 31st minute as Hakguder played an over-the-top ball to Kennedy but Fairmuir’s good defensive line made Kennedy offside.

Half-Time Montrose Youth 1-0 Fairmuir

Fairmuir started the second half in a fighting spirit and had the first chance when Connor Carl was one-on-one with the Montrose goalkeeper Angus Fraser. Fraser had his angles covered as Carl’s shot hit the side netting.

The first sub of the match was made it was made by Montrose as Rory Paton left the pitch and was replaced by Joshua Macpherson.

In the 42nd minute, Fairmuir made the game level with a goal-of-the-season contender as it fell for Bailey Nelson, and he volleyed it home from 20 yards out – a fantastic strike.

Fairmuir wouldn’t stop there, however, as they would have another big chance. Kodie Usher took a powerful shot which struck the far post.

The visitors then had the next big chance on the hour mark as Carl got on the end of an over-the-top ball which put him through on goal but the ref called offside.

Fairmuir then took the lead with four minutes to go as Carl rifled the ball into the top of the goal to give his side a dramatic late lead.

This proved to be the last chance of the match as referee Colin Hancox blew for the end of what was an entertaining game.

Montrose Youth 1-2 Fairmuir

Montrose Youth Player of the Match: Angus Fraser

Despite the result, Fraser kept going and he made a lot of saves while motivating his team to stick in.  

Montrose Youth Magic Moment: Hakguder’s penalty

The opening goal gave his side confidence to keep their lead until half-time.

Fairmuir Magic Moment: Equaliser

Nelson’s wonderful volley from outside the box gave his side the boost to keep fighting.