GREENOCK Wanderers edged out lower league opposition Glasgow High/Kelvinside in their final friendly match of the pre-season period at Fort Matilda on Saturday.

It was a decent performance from a more recognisable Wanderers’ side but in truth it was GHK who impressed most with a powerful display that should have resulted in victory, particularly with their dominance in the last 10 minutes.

Individually Matt Gray, Ally Abernethy, Andy Love and Anton Ward posted good solid performances up front and Sean Connolly and Callum Harrison did well at half-back but collectively the local side failed to match the intensity and drive of the men from Old Anniesland, who although plying their trade two leagues below Wanderers, look to be a side on the march to bigger and better things.

Indeed it was the visitors who opened the scoring in 12 minutes when a crisp handling move across the backline released winger Gregor Holleran and he sped in at the corner from thirty yards out.

Wanderers responded strongly and over the next 20 minutes enjoyed their best period of the match with some good phases of play.

On 18 minutes lineout specialist Gray secured good quality possession from an accurate throw from hooker Alan McMichael and some driving play took the action deep inside the visitors half.

When the forward drive petered out scrum-half Connelly spread the play and stand-off Harrison sold the GHK defence the dummy and he sauntered through to dot down under the posts. Michael Frizzell converted to give the hosts a 7-5 lead.

On 25 minutes provider turned scorer when Connolly popped up on the wing and added the final touches to a fine flowing backs move by showing admirable acceleration to outstrip the GHK defence and score in the corner. Thereafter though it was the Glasgow side who enjoyed the major share of territory and possession and an early try in the second period scored by flying winger Holleran reduced the deficit to 12-10.

The signs were ominous for Wanderers as they were forced to defend and in the final 10 minutes GHK were awarded four penalties all within kicking range.

Skipper Pete Ritchie showed his Corinthian spirit by electing to scrum rather than kick for goal, much to the chagrin of the visiting coaches who felt he should have kicked for touch then adopted the catch and drive tactic that had been used successfully throughout the match.

Wanderers took advantage of the let-off though and held firm to secure the victory.

Footnote: Wanderers ladies were well beaten by an experienced Cartha Queens Park side on Friday evening. Despite the defeat the Greenock girls showed some good touches and their play continues to displayed promise for the future.

Wanderers are sponsored by Texas Instruments.