Inverclyde Now Logo FOOTBALL — Blackthorn Rovers Clinch Welfare League

29 March, 2019 | Local

Blackthorn Rovers 9-4 Greenock Athletic

BLACKTHORN Rovers wrapped up the Greenock and District Welfare League title at the first opportunity with an emphatic scoreline in horrendous conditions at Battery Park.

From the first whistle the wind played havoc and made it difficult for either team to play much in the way of flowing football. With both sides struggling to adapt, Andy Brunton headed home the opener for the league leaders following McCurdy’s corner kick. Minutes later the lead was extended in almost identical fashion, centre-back Brunton once again got on the end of a McCurdy corner and steered home from close range.

However, with the champagne on ice, ‘Thorn were reminded that there was work to be done as McEachran pulled a goal back for Athletic, having earlier hit the post. Just before the break, Jamie McCabe restored the two-goal lead.

With a change of formation and some stern words at half-time, ‘Thorn pushed forward in the second half with front man Brad Smith looking particularly dangerous. Indeed, having little service in the opening half, Smith added four goals in the second forty-five with further goals from McGraw and substitute Mullen.

Credit to Athletic’s McEachran who managed four goals of his own in an otherwise disappointing day for his side.

The result saw Blackthorn crowned champions for the first time since 2011 with a cup final and another semi-final still to play for, as well as preserving the 100 per cent league record. The club is also glad to welcome back top scorer Aaron Cameron following his four-month absence through injury.

Blackthorn line-up: McNeil; McGraw (Mullen), Harkin, Wiggins (McDermid), Brunton; Jordan, Hunter, McCurdy (Cameron), Fry (Bradley); McCabe (Mitchell), Smith.

Blackthorn thank kit sponsor Koekibar (www.Koekibar.com) and general sponsor McD-76 Personlised Gifts for continued support

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