East of Scotland Premier League, Saturday 28th April 2007

Whitehill Welfare 0 Annan Athletic 5

Welfare went into this game minus five first team regulars due to injury or suspension and their reshuffled pack found title chasing Annan too hot to handle on a glorious sunny afternoon.

Annan looked hungrier from the outset playing a high tempo game and took the lead after only four minutes. Granger sent in a low cross and reserve centre-forward Graeme Bell sent a diving header past Swain.

Welfare looked flat and their out of position players looked uncomfortable and after nine minutes they fell further behind. A well-struck free-kick from the left channel by Jack found its way into find the far corner of the net to the dismay of the home contingent.

Welfare lacked any penetration being closed down quickly and Annan made short work of the hopeful long balls the home side threw at them.

In the 47th minute, Annan made it 3-0 when Bell chased after a pass knocked through the middle of Whitehill's defence and drove home a low shot. In the 54th minute, Bell claimed a hat trick and number four for Annan when some clever pass-and-move tactics opened up Welfare for the striker to smash the ball past a helpless Swain. In the 65th minute Annan went nap when Bell scored his fourth and Annan's fifth after being set up by Parker.

Welfare opted for damage limitation by introducing McKenna at right back in place of the ineffectual Hart and Williams moved into central defence with Christie moving forward and Lee going to his familiar left back role. Fortunately for Welfare it stemmed the Annan tide and the next best chance fell to Walker who saw his powerful drive superbly tipped over by Calder.

Whitehill Welfare: Swain, Hart (McKenna), Christie, Wilkes, Lee, McIntosh, McEwan (Williams), Pryde (Morrison), Walker, McDonagh, Malone. Subs not used: Gourley, Arthur.

Annan Athletic: Calder, Wilby, McGuffie, M Bell, Hill, Jack (L Sloan), S Sloan, Jardine, G Bell (Ruddick), Parker, Granger (McMenamin).

Above: Calder makes an early save before it went downhill for Welfare.

Above: Calder with the save of the match from a Nicky Walker shot.