Nine-man Greenock in derby win

Gary Pews • Published 5 Aug 2010 14:00 0 Comments

GREENOCK claimed the local bragging rights and got their season off to a flier with this Sectional League Cup win at Ravenscraig last night.

Although they deserved the three points, the match was closer than the scoreline suggests.

Port had chances, but found Mark Monk in fine form in the Greenock goal.

The keeper's performance included saving a Jonathan Donnelly penalty near the end, immediately after which Greenock got their third to seal the win.

In a nervy first half, Greenock skipper Thomas Docherty put his team ahead after just eight minutes, firing home from close range.

Ryan MacDonald almost doubled the lead after 31 minutes but was thwarted by his ex-teammate Brian Tucker, while Monk pulled off a similar stop from Port new boy Eddie Joyce 30 seconds later as play swung to the other end.

As tensions rose in the second half, Greenock were reduced to 10 men when Gary Fleming's debut came to a premature end after a second booking.

But Kenny McKay, on for Ryan MacDonald, made it 2-0 with a header on 73 minutes, and got his second with another header seven minutes from time.

Greenock then had another player shown the red card, with Barry McLaughlin ordered off for a second bout of mouthing off at referee Chris Wake, but the nine-man side comfortably held on for the win.

A beaming Greenock manager Stevie Mooney said: "I am very happy all our hard work in pre-season paid off tonight. The Port made it hard for us but in the end we ran out comfortable winners.

"I was disappointed in the two red cards, but at this time of the season players are not at their full sharpness and frustration can creep in, but overall I thought our display was outstanding."

Port boss Craig Brown said: "Obviously I am disappointed with the result, but we did not play nearly as well as we can.

"We did have our chances over and above the penalty but couldn't capitalise on them, while a few defensive lapses cost us dearly."

PORT GLASGOW: Tucker, C. McEwan (Brown 22), Beckley, Temporal, Stinson, K. McKay, F. McKay (Donnachie 67), A. McEwan (Wilson 74), Nugent, Donnelly, Joyce. Subs not

used: B. Stanton, Lafferty, Forsyth, Kidd.

GREENOCK: Monk, Irvine, McCormick, B. McLaughlin, M. Docherty, McEmerson (Kearns 45), Fleming, T. Docherty, MacDonald (McKay 58), Brown (Gilmour 62), A. Jamieson. Subs not used: J. McLaughlin, R. Jamieson, Crawford, Waterson

l Port Glasgow Juniors are sponsored by 5 Star Plasterers, and WJ. Greenock Juniors are sponsored by Regents Vehicle Sales, Greenock, Kingsley Wood Solicitors and Notaries, and the Lighthouse Bar.

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This article appeared in Greenock Telegraph 05 Aug 10

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