Match Review:

Rangers XI, 0-2, Eddie Thomson Lounge Opening Match, Sunday 12/12/2004:

A healthy crowd in the region of 300 turned out for the match which officially opened the Eddie Thomson Memorial Lounge. Club President Derek Waterson paid tribute to the late Eddie Thomson in his address before handing over to Eddie’s brother Eric and sister Maureen to perform the official opening before a packed clubroom. It was fitting that many of Eddie's ex-colleagues attended on the day and a good deal of reminiscing ensued.

On the pitch, Rangers had sent a strong reserve and Under 19 squad through to Rosewell and they went on to provide a difficult test for Welfare. The hosts started brightly and showed a real determination to match their young opponents. However, the early signs that Whitehill would make life difficult for their visitors was turned on its head when Rangers were awarded a very soft penalty. Centre-forward Johnston made the most of a non-existent challenge from Johnny Baigrie and the ref positioned only yards away pointed to the spot. There were long, loud protests from the Whitehill players to no avail and Danish Under 21 International Bajram Fetai made an easy job of the penalty kick.

The visitors added a second when Richie Johnstone floundered upon a cross field pass from Ross Johnston and Rangers number nine Johnston raced in on goal, rounded McGurk and rolled the ball into the empty net.

Despite these set-backs Welfare continued to work hard to remain in the game and restricted Rangers to very few chances. A bit more luck and they could have pinched a goal against a well-organised Rangers defence. Closest for Welfare were Darren Whyte who shot into the side net and near the end, Richie Johnstone was unlucky to see a well-struck free kick rebound off the bar.

Best for Welfare were Ryan McGurk, Ross Johnston and Richie Johnstone who all held their shape at the back, while Andy Hogg and Brian Martin worked hard before giving way to others late in the game. All in all, a very workmanlike and spirited performance from Whitehill. Hopefully we’ll see some of that determination carried forward into our forthcoming league matches.

Whitehill Welfare: McGurk, Baigrie, Lee, Johnston, Martin, Johnstone, Cummings, Shanks, Forrester, Hogg, Whyte. Subs: Faichney, Curran, Hunter, Finlay, Clark, Blyth.

Rangers XI: Giacomi, Jacmot, Smith, McLean, McColl, Watson, Lennon, Gilmour, Johnston, Fetai, Trialist. Subs: Dick, Agnew, Woods, Arini, Boyd.

Photographs: Courtesy of Kevin Hanley.