Dumfries and District Amateur Football League

Lochar Thistle turned on the style with an impressive Nivison Cup Final performance that saw them run out 4-2 winners over rivals Upper Annandale at Galabank on Saturday afternoon. Both teams fielded what was on paper their strongest team and all looked set for a close competitive encounter, in the end though, Lochar ran out as surprisingly easy winners.

The first ten minutes or so saw both teams feeling their way into the game with most of the action in the midfield area although both teams had chances. In the 5^th minute Ryan Johnstone broke free on the right and delivered an excellent ball to the back post that left the Lochar defenders helpless. Uppers Striker Neil Roddick made a great run at the back post but was a fraction of a second too late and the chance was gone. Lochar hit back a couple of minutes later when a Colin Coulter cross was met by John Howie but keeper Ian Jardine saved well. The opening goal came after quarter of an hour, Uppers wide man Ryan Johnstone  finished well, knocking the ball through the keepers legs after he had beaten the Lochar offside trap latching on to a Darren Ferbie through ball.  Lochar responded well and had an excellent 15 minute spell that saw them dominate the midfield with the strong running of striker John Howie helping them to keep Uppers on the back foot. After several near misses and saved attempts Lochar got the break they needed when Howie was barged over in the box and penalty specialist Mike McGauchie finished well from the spot sending the keeper the wrong way.

Lochar had their tails up and in the next ten minutes created several good openings but failed to capitalise. Most of these originated from the enterprising work of midfield pair Craig Jones and Mike McGauchie backed up strong defensive work by Craig McCrone and Alan Clark. Uppers had the odd chance, the best of which fell to Mark Leighfield who blasted over after picking up the loose ball when Darren Ferbie had closed the keeper down.  Lochar went into the lead for the first time just before half time, a Craig McCrone long ball was controlled by John Howie just inside the 18 yard box, his fierce shot hit the back post and the rebound fell kindly for James Rogerson who fired home despite a brave attempt by defender Ross Dawson to save the ball on the line.

Uppers re-adjusted their formation at the start of the second half in an attempt to negate the Lochar midfield dominance. This tightened the game up slightly but Lochar still created chances, the best of which saw Howie hit the post from 20yards out. James Rogerson got his second and Lochar’s third when a quickly taken throw in by Colin Coulter found him unmarked in the box and the big striker made no mistake from 12 yards out. This prompted further changes to the Uppers line up with Kevin Alston and Michael Swan replacing the ineffectual Darren McCulloch and Scott Campbell. Within minutes Alston had a couple of long range attempts, neither of which troubled Lochar keeper as they crashed onto the roof of the Social Club. Jardine in goal for Uppers then made a great instinctive save from another Howie shot this coming after young Steven Couper had found him with a well placed pass.

Uppers gradually applied some consistent pressure for the first time in the match and enjoyed a ten minute period of dominance, unfortunately they failed to create a decent chance during this spell.  Lochar made a change of their own and introduced the pacey Ally McKenna for Rogerson who had run himself into the ground. Kevin Jack nearly pulled one back with less than ten minutes to go when his header from a corner missed by a whisker. A minute later Mark Leighfield escaped his marker Alan Clark for the first time in the match and he made no mistake firing past keeper Jordan MacDonald to give Uppers some hope. All looked set for a thrilling final 5 minutes but Lochar substitute striker McKenna responded almost immediately after the re-start, firing home from close range to give Lochar a two goal cushion once again. He nearly added to the scoreline again just before time was up but Dawson blocked on the line to deny him. This was almost the last kick of the game and when the referee blew the final whistle Lochar began their celebrations.

This was an excellent advert for the league and the standard of football on show was very encouraging. Lochar were just too good for their Moffat counterparts on the day. For Lochar it was hard to pick out anyone who had a bad game but John Howie, Craig Jones and Michael McGauchie all caught the eye. Uppers had several good performers, most notably Defenders Ross Dawson and Kevin Jack, keepr Ian Jardine also had a good game.

After the match Annan Athletic Secretary Alan Irving thanked both teams for a good match before presenting the trophies with the assistance of league committee members Maurice Sproat and Jimmy Kirk. Captain Craig Jones accepted the Cup on behalf of Lochar much to the delight of his teammates.  The match officials were praised for a performance which meant that the good football was the main topic of conversation and not the refereeing decisions.

The league would like to thank Annan Athletic for the excellent support that was given to the league firstly by allowing the final to be staged so late in the season and secondly for the assistance on the day by Alan Irving and Davie Warwick.

Lochar Captain Craig Jones with the Nivison Cup

Lochar Striker John Howie recieves the MOM trophy from Alan Irving

Upper Annandale before the match

Lochar receive their trophies from Alan Irving

Uppers receive their trophies from Alan Irving

Officials Robert Morrison, Wullie Vivers and Steven Greir after the match. Rover seems to be thanking the refereeing gods for a good performance on the day. Later in an exclusive interview at the bar he reminded all present "that you can't put diesel in a Ferrari", enough said!