MATCH PREVIEW: Rothbury v Cramlington United

Reds boss Tom Macpherson says he is looking for a reaction when his side host runaway leaders Cramlington United on Saturday (kick-off 2.00pm).

Rothbury went down to their first defeat of the new year at Bohemians last weekend with the player manager frustrated that the side just ‘didn’t turn up’ on the day.

“We were out played and out battled throughout, which was really disappointing,” said Tom.

“We went against the wind in the first half, Gosforth put us under sustained pressure and deservedly took the lead through a combination of good play for the first goal and sloppy defending for the second. We have to learn to react better when going behind, keep it 1-0 at half time and it’s a different game with the wind in our favour.”

Two goals in two minutes on the half hour from Bannister and Gilbert left the Hillmen with a mountain to climb and although Rothbury did get on the scoresheet through Chris Laidlaw with ten minutes to go, they were killed off when Boyle netted a third in stoppage time.

“To be honest in the second half we didn’t really create a great deal, with the majority of our chances coming from set pieces. We got a goal back after persistent work from Greg and Fidds (Chris Laidlaw) and looked to have a big push in the last 10 minutes but that never materialised. They scored last kick of the game to make it 3-1 and in all honesty Gosforth deserved the 3 points on the balance of play.  Overall, a poor performance and a one I want to see us react to,” admitted Macpherson.

“We have to be better both in and out of possession, especially this weekend against Cramlington. They are flying in the league and have a Bowl semi-final so are a very good side so we have to be on it from the start!”

Words: Jon Tait