Caledonian Braves vs Civil Service Strollers

The Braves romped to a 7-2 victory over Civil Service Strollers in tough weather conditions on Saturday.

It was testing conditions down at Alliance Park as both sides struggled in the opening 10 minutes to gain any momentum in the game.

Civil came close to a an opener shortly after but a great defensive clearance from Dom Slattery cleared any danger.

Braves began to take hold of the game with Serge Makofo and Neil McLaughlin coming close to opening the scoring.

The first goal would after a fantastic forward ball from Craig Quinn who found David Winters, the veteran striker volley home into the corner of the net to give the Braves a much deserved lead.

Civil would run up the park instantly and equalise thanks to a neat finish from Cunningham.

Minutes later he doubled his tally, this time McLaughlin was their with a defence splitting pass as Winters slotted past the Civil keeper with ease.

Into the second half and the weather again took its toll on the game. Kyle Johnson and Ross McNeil forced good saves from the away keeper before Player of the Month Alex Marshall again producing a great save to deny Civil.

In controversial terms Civil would gain a penalty kick. The referee appearing to award the spot kick for a hand ball in the box but Braves players appealed the decision.

Faye would convert to the opposite corner bringing the score level.

The floodgates then opened as the Braves bagged five in final 20 minutes of the game.

Top Goalscorer Ross McNeil immediately put the Braves back in front after driving forward cutting back on to his left foot and slotting the ball home.

Braves powered forward again this time McLaughlin moving to the outside his defender and cooly placing the ball across the keeper into the bottom corner. It wasn’t long before the midfielder grabbed his second with a deflected shot flying through the keepers legs.

Jack McDowall’s downward header from a corner kick was then diverted off a Civil defender before slowly crossing over the line to make it six for the Braves.

The seventh them came from some fantastic footwork and passing from Marc Kelly as McLaughlin grabbed his Hat Trick.

This result had been a long time coming for the Braves as they end a run of poor form with a resounding victory over close league rivals Civil Service Strollers.

A confident Braves side will now head down to face Dalbeattie Star in the Lowland League next Saturday 15th February 2020, 3pm Kick Off.