Civil Service Strollers vs Caledonian Braves
Match Centre

Civil Service Strollers vs Caledonian Braves

L 2 - 0

It was a defeat on the return to league action for the Braves as they fell to a 2-0 defeat away to Civil Service Strollers.

The Braves dominated the game with their chances but the Edinburgh side were unfortunately more clinical with their finishing.

The away side should have taken the lead early on when young striker Ben Daily, replacing the suspended Neil McLaughlin was found alone in the six yard box but his first time effort sailed over the bar.

Civil took the lead on the 15 minute mark. A deep cross was met by the head of oncoming Cameron Muirhead, his looping header had just enough power to take it over the rushing Nicky Hogarth in goal.

The braves then had a succession of chances. David Sinclair’s long range free kick almost caught out the Civil keeper thanks to the wind then Dom Slattery came close with a header from a corner. The defender should have found the target though.

10 minutes before the end of the first half, great play from Daily to beat his man as he fizzed the ball into Ross McNeil. The Braves top goal scorer got caught in the heavy surface while attempting to slide the ball home and couldn’t connect.

The second half was much of the same as the Braves created more opportunites. Following a string of chances where Craig Quinn and Sinclair tested the Civil defence, the home side broke from a corner kick leaving Muirhead 1on1 with Hogarth as he neatly slotted through the youngsters legs to double their advantage.

McNeil had for the  second time a spectacular overhead kick goal disallowed. Raffi Krissian’s long ball was headed down by Trialist as McNeil found top hand corner only for the lineswoman to chop the goal off.

The second goal effectively ended the game but Braves were given a late lifeline when the home side were reduced to 10 men after Ryan Shanley picked up a second booking.

Berwick Rangers are up next for Caledonian Braves as they visit Alliance Park for the very first time. Saturday 2nd November 2019 with a 3pm Kick Off