Match Reports 2009/2010
Kilbowie Union 4 - 2 Tarbert AFC
With most parks in Glasgow deemed unplayable due to the heavy rain, Tarbert travelled to the Glasgow Science parks to play Kilbowie Union on an astrograss surface. Manager Douglas Guy was without Smyth and Mcaffrey for this Premier 2 encounter.
The Dookers required no added motivation for this match, knowing that three points would send them clear at the top of the table. This did not stop the away side losing a goal after only 10 seconds, when they lost posession straight from kick off and the home forward running through to slot the ball into the bottom corner. This was the worst possible start for Tarbert, as the home side were now passing the ball with confidence and causing the Dookers defence all sorts of problems. Tarbert were playing on the break, and almost equalised when Johnson and Ronald combined well down the right however there was no end product.
They did manage to get on level terms shortly after, McDougall won the ball in the midfield and played the ball into Prentice, who hit a composed finish from 10 yards. Both teams were now playing some good stuff, with both keepers handling everything that was thrown at them.
Half time: Kilbowie 1 - 1 Tarbert
The second half began with both teams pressing and it was the home side who took the lead once again after some poor defending from Tarbert. They didnt let the heads go down however and continued to show good commitment and hard work. It paid off after an hour when they were rewarded with their second equaliser. Nikki McDougall fired in a corner and McIver was waiting at the back post to volley in from 6 yards.
They could not hold on however as Kilbowie upped the tempo and put the Dookers under some intense pressure. The home side missed a penalty first of all but managed to turn their dominance into goals when their striker wasnt picked up and volleyed home from close range. Kilbowie wrapped up the three points late on to give them a valuable win in their quest for promotion.
A setback for Tarbert but they played well in stages and can look forward and make amends this weekend with another away game, this time to Celtic CA.
Full time: Kilbowie 4 - 2 Tarbert
Tarbert Squad: Martin, Smith, C Martin, Elliott, Miller, Ronald, Johnson, Guy, McIver, McDougall, Prentice, Stuart, Mckinnon, Macmillan, McDonald.
Tarbert AFC 4 - 3 Port Glasgow OBU
Tarbert AFC faced Port Glasgow OBU on saturday, looking for another win to go joint top of the Premier league 2. Manager Guy welcomed back Martin to the centre of defence, however D MacDougall was still unavaliable through injury.
After heavy rain on the morning of the match, it was touch and go wether the game would go ahead however referee Auld decided Cil Andreis was playable despite the surface water.
Despite the extremely tough conditions, the Dookers began in impressive fashion, with Prentice and MacIver causing the away defence all sorts of problems. Tarbert had the chance to go ahead early on when a rash challenge resulted in a penalty being awarded. Ronald stepped up to fire the ball low into the bottom corner. 1-0. After 15 minutes Tarbert doubled their lead, once again Ronald was involved, this time turning provider as he fed a pass through to Prentice, who outpaced the Port defence before slotting past the away keeper. 2-0.
The Dookers were piling on the pressure and won a free kick 30 yards out when Johnson was taken down after beating two defenders. Prentice hit a cross into the danger area and Smyth was on hand to loop a header over the keeper. 3-0. Port Glasgow then upped their game for the remainder of the half, and were given a lifeline when the referee awarded a penalty for a Martin challenge in the box, a decision which was extremely harsh as the defender looked to win the ball cleanly. Justic was done however when the Port forward blasted over the bar. They did manage to pull a goal back before half time after a superb finish from the centre midfielder.
Half time: Tarbert 3 - 1 Port Glasgow OBU
The second half started much the same as the first had ended, with the away side dominating posession. After an hour they scored their second when Martin let a shot slip through his hands, Smith unfortunate not to clear the ball on the line. 3-2.
With the away side full of confidence now, the Dookers were under some intense pressure and they managed to give themselves some breathing space when MacIver notched his 3rd goal of the campaign. A Ronald long throw was nodded on by the young striker and nestled into the corner. The scoring wasnt finished there and Port Glasgow ensured a very nervy finish when they scored their third. A shot from the edge of the box was deflected off Miller and found its way past Martin in goal. Another three points for Tarbert who now sit joint top of the league however Guy will be looking for a bit more composure when they face Kilbowie Union this weekend.
Full time: Tarbert 4 - 3 Port Glasgow OBU
Tarbert Squad: J Martin, Smith, C Martin, Guy, Miller, Ronald, Johnson, Smyth, MacDougall, Prentice, MacIver, Mcaffrey, Mackinnon, Mcmillan.
Celtic CA 2 - 5 Tarbert AFC
Tarbert travelled to Toryglen sports complex on saturday 17th October to play their first ever Jimmy Marshall Trophy encounter, against Celtic CA. Manager Guy was without a host of squad regulars, with Martin, Laing, Smyth and McDougall all unavaliable.
Playing with Hampden on the horizon, the Dookers began well, passing the ball confidently on the excellent surface and not giving their opponents any chance to force their way into the game. It wasnt long before Tarbert were in front. Some slack play in Midfield by Celtic allowed MacDougall to control the ball and play a perfectly weighted pass to Prentice, who took one touch before beating the advancing keeper with ease. 0-1.
Moments later and it was 2 nil. Tarbert won a corner and as N MacDougall floated the ball in, the clearance fell to Prentice, he hit the ball first time from 18 yards and once again fount the back of the net. 0-2. This seemed to push Celtic on and they created some good chances, on several occasions they appeared offside, but Martin was up to the task and pulled off an outstanding save to keep the Dookers lead in tact.
Celtic continued to press and pulled a goal back on the half hour mark. A mistake in defence gave the forward a glimpse of goal and he found the top corner. 1-2. The game was starting to become scrappy for long periods, with neither team taking control, however some dogged work from David Ronald on the right wing gave Mckiver a glimpse of goal, and he restored the Dookers 2 goal advantage, however the keeper really could have done better.
Half time: Celtic 1 - 3 Tarbert
Big Ricky was less than impressed at the interval, however encouraged the team to keep their composure at the back and cut out the silly mistakes. The second period was only minutes old when Tarbert went 4-1 up. David Ronald picked the ball up on the half way line and advanced beyond two Celtic midfielders before slotting a fine ball through for Prentice who once again finished effortlessly. 1-4.
Celtic were once again allowed back into the game for a moment when Guy lost posession in midfield, however as he pleaded with the referee for a foul, the Celtic forward continued and made the game 2-4.
The final goal came from the penalty spot, won by Prentice, converted by Ronald, after a handball in the area. Once again the Dookers had scored five against the men from the East End of Glasgow, and now look forward to a home tie against either Templeton Albert or Port Glasgow OBU.
Tarbert Squad: Martin, Smith, McCaffrey, Big Paul, Millar, Ronald, Guy, Johnson, MacDougall, Maciver, Prentice, Mackinnon, Mair, Elliott.
Tarbert AFC 3 - 1 Rutherglen
After last weeks dissapointing cup exit, Tarbert were looking to bounce back in the league with the visit of Rutherglen to Cil Andreis. Manager Guy was without Smith and MacDougall for the encounter, with Craig Martin and Callum Mcaffrey returning to defence.
It was the Dookers who took the game to their opponents, as they immediately carved out an opening allowing Prentice to find room in the box, however a wonder save kept the game goaless. It didnt take the striker long to open the scoring however, Johnson feeding MacIver on the right flank, he played a great cross into Prentice, who fired into the bottom corner. 1-0. Tarbert were finding acres of space in the midfield, this time Ronald finding Maciver, however the defence cleared.
The home side could have increased their advantage on numerous occasions, with chances falling to the front pair. Ronald did have the ball in the net, this time he was ruled offside.
Half time: Tarbert 1 - 0 Rutherglen
Coach MacDonald was pleased with the teams performance and encouraged the same in the second period, only to turn their posession into more goals.
The second half was just seconds old when Tarbert doubled their lead. A sublime defence splitting pass by Nikki MacDougall found James Prentice in the box, with the striker finishing with ease to score his second of the game. The game began to get a bit scrappy in the midfield, with the away side finally starting to show some hunger and determination to get into the match. As the away side applied some pressure, Martin, Guy and Macaffrey stood firm, and from a typical Tarbert counter attack, the score was soon 3-0. MacDougall recieved the ball down the line beating three defenders as he advanced into the box before cutting the ball back to Prentice who completed his hat-trick with pure simplicity.
Rutherglen were awarded a penalty when Guy tripped the striker in the box, however Martin made a fine save to divert the ball for a corner. With the danger not cleared and the defence sleeping, Rutherglen carved out a consolation for themselves when their striker diverted a cross into the net. 3-1.
Only minutes remained when a Ronald corner found Guy with a free header, somehow the player/manager firing straight at the keeper, when it looked easier to score.
Full time: Tarbert 3 - 1 Rutherglen
Tarbert Squad: John Martin, Callum Macaffrey, Craig Martin, Douglas Guy, Allan Miller, David Ronald, James Smyth, Iain Johnson, Nikki MacDougall, James Prentice, Malcom MacIver, Iain Mackinnon, Stuart Currie, Jamie Stuart.
Dookers fall short against 9 man thorn
Tarbert AFC faced Port Glasgow OBU on saturday, looking for another win to go joint top of the Premier league 2. Manager Guy welcomed back Martin to the centre of defence, however D MacDougall was still unavaliable through injury.
After heavy rain on the morning of the match, it was touch and go wether the game would go ahead however referee Auld decided Cil Andreis was playable despite the surface water.
Despite the extremely tough conditions, the Dookers began in impressive fashion, with Prentice and MacIver causing the away defence all sorts of problems. Tarbert had the chance to go ahead early on when a rash challenge resulted in a penalty being awarded. Ronald stepped up to fire the ball low into the bottom corner. 1-0. After 15 minutes Tarbert doubled their lead, once again Ronald was involved, this time turning provider as he fed a pass through to Prentice, who outpaced the Port defence before slotting past the away keeper. 2-0.
The Dookers were piling on the pressure and won a free kick 30 yards out when Johnson was taken down after beating two defenders. Prentice hit a cross into the danger area and Smyth was on hand to loop a header over the keeper. 3-0. Port Glasgow then upped their game for the remainder of the half, and were given a lifeline when the referee awarded a penalty for a Martin challenge in the box, a decision which was extremely harsh as the defender looked to win the ball cleanly. Justic was done however when the Port forward blasted over the bar. They did manage to pull a goal back before half time after a superb finish from the centre midfielder.
Half time: Tarbert 3 - 1 Port Glasgow OBU
The second half started much the same as the first had ended, with the away side dominating posession. After an hour they scored their second when Martin let a shot slip through his hands, Smith unfortunate not to clear the ball on the line. 3-2.
With the away side full of confidence now, the Dookers were under some intense pressure and they managed to give themselves some breathing space when MacIver notched his 3rd goal of the campaign. A Ronald long throw was nodded on by the young striker and nestled into the corner. The scoring wasnt finished there and Port Glasgow ensured a very nervy finish when they scored their third. A shot from the edge of the box was deflected off Miller and found its way past Martin in goal. Another three points for Tarbert who now sit joint top of the league however Guy will be looking for a bit more composure when they face Kilbowie Union this weekend.
Full time: Tarbert 4 - 3 Port Glasgow OBU
Tarbert Squad: J Martin, Smith, C Martin, Guy, Miller, Ronald, Johnson, Smyth, MacDougall, Prentice, MacIver, Mcaffrey, Mackinnon, Mcmillan.
Celtic CA 2 - 5 Tarbert AFC
Tarbert travelled to Toryglen sports complex on saturday 17th October to play their first ever Jimmy Marshall Trophy encounter, against Celtic CA. Manager Guy was without a host of squad regulars, with Martin, Laing, Smyth and McDougall all unavaliable.
Playing with Hampden on the horizon, the Dookers began well, passing the ball confidently on the excellent surface and not giving their opponents any chance to force their way into the game. It wasnt long before Tarbert were in front. Some slack play in Midfield by Celtic allowed MacDougall to control the ball and play a perfectly weighted pass to Prentice, who took one touch before beating the advancing keeper with ease. 0-1.
Moments later and it was 2 nil. Tarbert won a corner and as N MacDougall floated the ball in, the clearance fell to Prentice, he hit the ball first time from 18 yards and once again fount the back of the net. 0-2. This seemed to push Celtic on and they created some good chances, on several occasions they appeared offside, but Martin was up to the task and pulled off an outstanding save to keep the Dookers lead in tact.
Celtic continued to press and pulled a goal back on the half hour mark. A mistake in defence gave the forward a glimpse of goal and he found the top corner. 1-2. The game was starting to become scrappy for long periods, with neither team taking control, however some dogged work from David Ronald on the right wing gave Mckiver a glimpse of goal, and he restored the Dookers 2 goal advantage, however the keeper really could have done better.
Half time: Celtic 1 - 3 Tarbert
Big Ricky was less than impressed at the interval, however encouraged the team to keep their composure at the back and cut out the silly mistakes. The second period was only minutes old when Tarbert went 4-1 up. David Ronald picked the ball up on the half way line and advanced beyond two Celtic midfielders before slotting a fine ball through for Prentice who once again finished effortlessly. 1-4.
Celtic were once again allowed back into the game for a moment when Guy lost posession in midfield, however as he pleaded with the referee for a foul, the Celtic forward continued and made the game 2-4.
The final goal came from the penalty spot, won by Prentice, converted by Ronald, after a handball in the area. Once again the Dookers had scored five against the men from the East End of Glasgow, and now look forward to a home tie against either Templeton Albert or Port Glasgow OBU.
Tarbert Squad: Martin, Smith, McCaffrey, Big Paul, Millar, Ronald, Guy, Johnson, MacDougall, Maciver, Prentice, Mackinnon, Mair, Elliott.
Tarbert AFC 3 - 1 Rutherglen
After last weeks dissapointing cup exit, Tarbert were looking to bounce back in the league with the visit of Rutherglen to Cil Andreis. Manager Guy was without Smith and MacDougall for the encounter, with Craig Martin and Callum Mcaffrey returning to defence.
It was the Dookers who took the game to their opponents, as they immediately carved out an opening allowing Prentice to find room in the box, however a wonder save kept the game goaless. It didnt take the striker long to open the scoring however, Johnson feeding MacIver on the right flank, he played a great cross into Prentice, who fired into the bottom corner. 1-0. Tarbert were finding acres of space in the midfield, this time Ronald finding Maciver, however the defence cleared.
The home side could have increased their advantage on numerous occasions, with chances falling to the front pair. Ronald did have the ball in the net, this time he was ruled offside.
Half time: Tarbert 1 - 0 Rutherglen
Coach MacDonald was pleased with the teams performance and encouraged the same in the second period, only to turn their posession into more goals.
The second half was just seconds old when Tarbert doubled their lead. A sublime defence splitting pass by Nikki MacDougall found James Prentice in the box, with the striker finishing with ease to score his second of the game. The game began to get a bit scrappy in the midfield, with the away side finally starting to show some hunger and determination to get into the match. As the away side applied some pressure, Martin, Guy and Macaffrey stood firm, and from a typical Tarbert counter attack, the score was soon 3-0. MacDougall recieved the ball down the line beating three defenders as he advanced into the box before cutting the ball back to Prentice who completed his hat-trick with pure simplicity.
Rutherglen were awarded a penalty when Guy tripped the striker in the box, however Martin made a fine save to divert the ball for a corner. With the danger not cleared and the defence sleeping, Rutherglen carved out a consolation for themselves when their striker diverted a cross into the net. 3-1.
Only minutes remained when a Ronald corner found Guy with a free header, somehow the player/manager firing straight at the keeper, when it looked easier to score.
Full time: Tarbert 3 - 1 Rutherglen
Tarbert Squad: John Martin, Callum Macaffrey, Craig Martin, Douglas Guy, Allan Miller, David Ronald, James Smyth, Iain Johnson, Nikki MacDougall, James Prentice, Malcom MacIver, Iain Mackinnon, Stuart Currie, Jamie Stuart.
Dookers fall short against 9 man thorn
Tarbert AFC welcomed Thorn Athletic to a rain drenched Cil Andreis on saturday 3rd October, hoping to cause a cup upset against the Premier one contenders.
The pitch had taken a lot of rain on the lead up to kick off, however both teams, including the referee decided that the game could go ahead. Only one change took place from manager Guy with Martin being replaced by Laing in central defence.
The Dookers got of to the perfect start when they took the lead after only 2 minutes. The Thorn defender hesitating on his 6 yard line allowed Johnson to nip in and stroke the ball past the keeper. 1-0.
Playing into the wind, Tarbert were beginning to struggle, as Thorn began dominating posession. They had a couple of real chances in the box, however equalised when the ball wasnt cleared properly with their striker reacting quickest. 1-1. The game then threatened to boil over when a wild tackle on Mckiver caused handbags between both sets of players, with Thorn midfielder recieving a red card. Only minutes later and the away side took the lead, a free header in the box much to the dismay of coach Macnab.
The action continued and remarkably Thorn were now down to 9 men, when Nikki MacDougall was caught by a late boot, this time the Thorn defender was heading for an early bath. Tarbert should have equalised before half time but both Johnson and Prentice had shoth cleared off the line after beating the keeper.
Half time Tarbert 1 Thorn 2.
The second half started as the first had ended, action packed. The dookers were hoping to make the extra men count, but a superb Thorn counter attack increased their lead giving the home side a mountain to climb.
Continued Tarbert pressure saw them hit the post twice in quick succession, before Smyth gave them a lifeline with ten minutes left to reduce the deficit. 2-3.
With the home crowd roaring them on, Tarbert continued to press, and threw everybody forward in an attempt to force a replay. Thorn had other ideas and once again carved open the Tarbert back line to finish the contest with a well placed finish. Very good case for offside however, but the away side deserve credit for battling on with just 9 men.
Full time Tarbert 2 Thorn 4.
Tarbert squad: Martin, Smith, Laing, Guy, Miller, Ronald, Johnson, Smyth, MacDougall, Mckiver, Prentice, Mckinnon, MacDougall, Macaffrey, Stuart, Currie.
Tarbert stun Dunoon with late show
Tarbert AFC travelled to Dunoon on saturday 26th september looking to bounce straight back after losing at home to Shawlands the week before, their first competitive game in almost 8 months. Manager Guy had a full compliment of players to choose from, with Iain Smith returning at right back.
The Dookers started well, without creating much, Prentice dragging a left foot shot wide the closest they came. Throughout this period the home side were looking good on the break with their excellent long passing skills, however the Tarbert back line of Smith, Guy, Martin and Miller were standing strong and holding their line well.
When the breakthrough did come, it was for the home side, and with a huge slice of luck also. Miller in an attemt to clear his lines blasted the ball straight into the Dunoon forward, the ball rebounding off his leg and looping straight over Martin in goal and into the net. 1-0.
Things could have got even worse when a fine Dunoon move gave their no. 7 a one on one with John Martin, but he brilliantly saved with his leg to keep his side in the game.
Half time came as a relief to Tarbert who had battled hard but had struggled to get to grips with the game, especially in the middle of the park.
HT 1-0
The second period began after Tarbert had reshuffled to acommodate the three Dunnon centre midfielders, and they had the perfect start when a Ronald free kick evaded everyone and went straight in the postage stamp. 1-1. Game on. This gave the Dookers some confidence and they started to move the ball about well, Dunoon were still breaking with intent however and should have restored their lead when the right back headed over from 2 yards.
From this point on there was only going to be one winner as Tarbert piled on the pressure. Johnson had a great opportunity after playing a neat one two with Smith, he raced past the Dunoon defence and struck a low shot, only to be denied by their keepers backside, trust me it was big.
The second Tarbert goal arrived and what a goal it was. Prentice played in a measured free kick and on hand to bullet home a header was Nikki MacDougall, his third goal of the season. With five minutes remaining the Dookers settled the tie when Johnson played a somewhat hopeful ball forward onto Prentice, who raced by the last defender and lobbed the keeper with a brilliant finish.
FT 1-3.
Tarbert Squad: J Martin, I Smith, D Guy, C Martin, A Miller, D Ronald, I Johnson, J Smyth, N MacDougall, J Prentice, M Mckiver, I Mackinnon, D MacDougall, J Stuart.
Division 2 Results:
Campbeltown Boys 1 - 3 Port Glasgow OBU
Shawlands 1 - 1 Rolls Royce EK
Twelve Game unbeaten run ends
Tarbert AFC welcomed Shawlands to Cil Andreis on saturday 19th September, with both teams boasting unbeaten records to start their season.
With the visitors yet to concede a goal in this seasons campaign, they began confidently, passing the ball well throughout the midfield, and their strikers looking lively in attack. It wasnt long before this pressure lead to the opening goal, firstly a cracking drive from 25 yards rattled the home crossbar, before the ball fell to the Shawlands striker who bettered his team mates effort by curling a beauty into the top corner. 0-1.
This rattled Tarbert and they were struggling to find any rythmn in the game, however they were handed a lifeline when a trademark Ronald long throw was flicked on by Nikki MacDougall, the ball rebounded off the Shawlands defender and nestled into the bottom corner. 1-1.
The game had now opened up and chances were being created at both ends, Shawlands striking the post from close range and MacDougall having a good effort saved. It was Shawlands who again were in front shortly after when their striker beat Martin in goal. 1-2.
Half time was fast approaching and Tarbert should have levelled, Mckiver was put through on goal one on one with the keeper however a fine save kept the away sides lead in tact.
HT 1-2
The second half began as the first had ended, with tough tackling all over the park, Prentice and Guy recieving yellow cards for their troubles. The game was soon level when Ronald advanced into the penalty area only to be clumsily tackled from behind - Penalty awarded. The midfielder picked himself up to send the keeper the wrong way and notch his second of the season. 2-2
Both teams had chances to win the game and go top of the table, but it was the away side who nicked it at the end, their left winger finding space on the edge of the area to round Martin in goal and spark wild celebrations.
FT 2-3
A set back for the boys but one they can make amends with straight away as this weekend (sat 26th Sept) they travel to Dunoon for an Argyll derby.
Results from 19th September
Celtic 0 - 2 Port Glasgow OBU
RREK 4 - 1 Dunoon
Dookers stay top with gutsy draw
Tarbert AFC travelled to Dunoon on saturday 26th september looking to bounce straight back after losing at home to Shawlands the week before, their first competitive game in almost 8 months. Manager Guy had a full compliment of players to choose from, with Iain Smith returning at right back.
The Dookers started well, without creating much, Prentice dragging a left foot shot wide the closest they came. Throughout this period the home side were looking good on the break with their excellent long passing skills, however the Tarbert back line of Smith, Guy, Martin and Miller were standing strong and holding their line well.
When the breakthrough did come, it was for the home side, and with a huge slice of luck also. Miller in an attemt to clear his lines blasted the ball straight into the Dunoon forward, the ball rebounding off his leg and looping straight over Martin in goal and into the net. 1-0.
Things could have got even worse when a fine Dunoon move gave their no. 7 a one on one with John Martin, but he brilliantly saved with his leg to keep his side in the game.
Half time came as a relief to Tarbert who had battled hard but had struggled to get to grips with the game, especially in the middle of the park.
HT 1-0
The second period began after Tarbert had reshuffled to acommodate the three Dunnon centre midfielders, and they had the perfect start when a Ronald free kick evaded everyone and went straight in the postage stamp. 1-1. Game on. This gave the Dookers some confidence and they started to move the ball about well, Dunoon were still breaking with intent however and should have restored their lead when the right back headed over from 2 yards.
From this point on there was only going to be one winner as Tarbert piled on the pressure. Johnson had a great opportunity after playing a neat one two with Smith, he raced past the Dunoon defence and struck a low shot, only to be denied by their keepers backside, trust me it was big.
The second Tarbert goal arrived and what a goal it was. Prentice played in a measured free kick and on hand to bullet home a header was Nikki MacDougall, his third goal of the season. With five minutes remaining the Dookers settled the tie when Johnson played a somewhat hopeful ball forward onto Prentice, who raced by the last defender and lobbed the keeper with a brilliant finish.
FT 1-3.
Tarbert Squad: J Martin, I Smith, D Guy, C Martin, A Miller, D Ronald, I Johnson, J Smyth, N MacDougall, J Prentice, M Mckiver, I Mackinnon, D MacDougall, J Stuart.
Division 2 Results:
Campbeltown Boys 1 - 3 Port Glasgow OBU
Shawlands 1 - 1 Rolls Royce EK
Twelve Game unbeaten run ends
Tarbert AFC welcomed Shawlands to Cil Andreis on saturday 19th September, with both teams boasting unbeaten records to start their season.
With the visitors yet to concede a goal in this seasons campaign, they began confidently, passing the ball well throughout the midfield, and their strikers looking lively in attack. It wasnt long before this pressure lead to the opening goal, firstly a cracking drive from 25 yards rattled the home crossbar, before the ball fell to the Shawlands striker who bettered his team mates effort by curling a beauty into the top corner. 0-1.
This rattled Tarbert and they were struggling to find any rythmn in the game, however they were handed a lifeline when a trademark Ronald long throw was flicked on by Nikki MacDougall, the ball rebounded off the Shawlands defender and nestled into the bottom corner. 1-1.
The game had now opened up and chances were being created at both ends, Shawlands striking the post from close range and MacDougall having a good effort saved. It was Shawlands who again were in front shortly after when their striker beat Martin in goal. 1-2.
Half time was fast approaching and Tarbert should have levelled, Mckiver was put through on goal one on one with the keeper however a fine save kept the away sides lead in tact.
HT 1-2
The second half began as the first had ended, with tough tackling all over the park, Prentice and Guy recieving yellow cards for their troubles. The game was soon level when Ronald advanced into the penalty area only to be clumsily tackled from behind - Penalty awarded. The midfielder picked himself up to send the keeper the wrong way and notch his second of the season. 2-2
Both teams had chances to win the game and go top of the table, but it was the away side who nicked it at the end, their left winger finding space on the edge of the area to round Martin in goal and spark wild celebrations.
FT 2-3
A set back for the boys but one they can make amends with straight away as this weekend (sat 26th Sept) they travel to Dunoon for an Argyll derby.
Results from 19th September
Celtic 0 - 2 Port Glasgow OBU
RREK 4 - 1 Dunoon
Dookers stay top with gutsy draw
Tarbert travelled to East Kilbride on saturday 12th September as they faced league favourites Rolls Royce in a top of the table encounter.
The A & D Watt sponsored side were missing Connor and Laing from the previous game, with Miller and Mckiver coming into the side, the latter opening his account for the season with a hugely important strike.
The game started at a frantic pace with the home side dominating the early exchanges, Tarbert struggling to play their passing game on the bumpy surface. RREK could have been out of sight in the opening 20 minutes however some excellent saves from J Martin in goal and last ditch defending from the back four kept the score blank. The opening goal came completely against the run of play when Miller lifted the ball over the Rolls defence and young Malcolm Mckiver outpaced them before firing low into the bottom corner. 0-1.
This seemed to spark some life into the visitors, and they began to assert themselves in the game. They carved out another opportunity when Smyth fed Johnson in the box however his shot went wide.... much to the dismay of the onrushing Prentice.
The home side equalised when a soft free kick was awarded at the edge of the area. A fine cross into the box was headed goalwards and Miller on the line could only fire into his own net.
Half time Rolls Royce 1- 1 Tarbert
The second period began just as the first had, however this time it was Tarbert who should have scored almost straight away, but Nikki MacDougalls shot was well saved by the home keeper.
Rolls then started to push for the winner and they bombarded John Martins goal with attempt after attempt but just could not find a way past the resilient Tarbert back line. The home side had a series of corners where headers were cleared off the line, shots were saved by the keeper, or they could not find the target and eventually the full time whistle went, much to the delight of the away management.
Manager Guy was delighted with the display and praised the players battling qualities at the end, however he also reiterated how this could be required in almost every game if they want to do well in this division.
Tarbert Squad: J Martin, I Smith, C Martin, D Guy, A Miller, D Ronald, I Johnson, J Smyth, N MacDougall, J Prentice, M Mckiver, D MacDougall, F Church, J Stuart.
Results from 12th September:
Campbeltown Boys 0 - 3 Templeton Albert
Dunoon 2 - 4 Kilbowie Union
Shawlands 9 - 0 Celtic
Tarbert stun Celtic with 5 star display
Tarbert AFC welcomed league newcomers Celtic CA to Cil Andreis on saturday 29th August, looking to build on their excellent opening day win against Port Glasgow. The home side were without defenders Miller and Church and midfielder D McDougall through suspension, however welcomed back P Laing into the starting frame.
After watching the visitors act out the famous Celtic huddle before the game, the contest began at a frantic pace, with the home side dominating and creating several clear cut chances. The opening goal was scored when Prentice found Nikki McDougall, who chipped the keeper from an acute angle. 1-0.
The remainder of the half continued with constant Tarbert pressure, however they could not convert any of their chances, Connor the main culprit.
Half time Tarbert 1 - 0 Celtic
The Tarbert coaching staff urged the team to continue their good play into the second period, warning the boys that complacency could turn the game in the oppositions favour. More goals required.
The second half did indeed continue in the same fashion, however the home side were stunned after 50 minutes when Celtic countered a Tarbert corner, their big number 9 cooly slotting the ball home under Martin in goal. 1-1.
The dookers did not let the heads go down however, and immediately restored their advantage when Connor was upended in the box, the referee pointing to the spot. The striker then picked himself up to slot the ball home, sending the keeper the wrong way. 2-1. It seemed inevitable that the away side would begin to stamp their authority on the game, however Tarberts determination and tough tackling prevented this, and it was only a matter of time before the cruical third goal arrived. It came courtesy of a Ronald long throw, sending the ball into the box and onto the head of Smyth, who opened his account from 6 yards. 3-1.
If there was any critisism of the Tarbert team, it was at this point when they switched off for a matter of minutes, allowing Celtic back into the game scoring a scrappy goal after 70 minutes.
Tarbert required another goal at this point, and up stepped manager Guy to provide this with a glancing header from a Ronald cross, his second assist of the game. 4-2.
The icing on the cake was something of a rare occurrence as Ronald collected the ball 25 yards out and advanced towards goal, he unleashed a left foot wonder strike which found the top left hand corner, what the keeper was doing we'll never know.
Full Time Tarbert 5 - 2 Celtic CA
Tarbert squad: J Martin, I Smith, D Guy, C Martin, P Laing, D Ronald, I Johnson, J Smyth, N McDougall, J Prentice, M Connor, I Mackinnon, S Currie, C Mcaffrey, M Mckiver.
Results from 29th August
Rolls Royce 3 - 2 Kilbowie Union
Shawlands 2 - 0 Rutherglen
Dookers off to a flier in Premier
Tarbert travelled to Port Glasgow on saturday 22nd August as they began life in the Premier setup, keen to show the rest of the league they could hold their own with the step up in quality.
Playing on an astro grass pitch, Tarbert began impressively playing some excellent passing football, and they were ahead after only 15 minutes when a poor clearance was intercepted by James Prentice who dispatched into an empty net. Only minutes later they doubled their lead when a good move was finished off by Nikki McDougall, beating the keeper from 12 yards.
The home side were stunned by this opening half hour and upped the tempo as the half wore on, and they were rewarded with their hard work when their striker glanced in a header from a dangerous cross. The half finished with Tarbert missing a penalty, Coco failing to beat the keeper from the spot.
Manager Guy praised his troops at half time, asking for more of the same in the second period, however Port OBU had different ideas and heaped the pressure on the Tarbert goal, however the defence stood firm and held out for a valuable 3 points.
FT Port Glasgow OBU 1 Tarbert 2
Tarbert Squad: John Martin, Iain Smith, Craig Martin, Douglas Guy, Big Frazer, David Ronald, Iain Johnson, James Smyth, Nikki McDougall(goal 18 mins), Michael Connor, James Prentice(goal 15 mins), Malcolm Mckiver, JD Macmillan, Allan Miller, Iain Mackinnon.
Results from 22nd August
Celtic 0 - 6 Dunoon
Rutherglen 4 - 1 Campbeltown Boys