Wednesday 4th May @ Holm Park, Yoker
Yoker Ath 3-3 Greenock Juniors
League Match
Thomas Docherty scored Greenock's opener
Greenock travelled to Holm park for the third time this season desperate to get the 3 points to aide survival. The 3 previous meetings between the sides all ended level with Greenock going through their West Cup tie via penalties. Graham Black had an early opportunity for Greenock but he miscued his effort from the edge of the area. John Paul Dow then almost opened the scoring when his free kick from the left came back off Graham's left hand post and was cleared to safety by the Yoker rearguard. Greenock were well on top by this point and the next opportunity came when Andy Monaghan whipped in a great deep cross which was met by the head of the onrushing Black only to see the Yoker keeper Graham palm it onto the post and away to safety. After all this Pressure Yoker had the best opportunity to get the lead when Bryan Boal was fouled in the box by a combination of Mcilvogue and Docherty and the referee was left with no option but to point to the spot. Once again Meechan proved his worth at the spot kick when he saved with his feet from the Yoker number 4 to keep the scores all square. Lappin was unlucky on several occasions from corner kicks but the scoreline remained blank going in at half time.
Half-time 0 - 0
After a goalless first half despite the numerous close calls it was to be a different story in an action packed second half. Greenock were first to threaten when neat play by Black and Dow allowed Black to have the shot but the Yoker stopper was well positioned to save. Gordon Lappin then had a go from the edge of the area which went narrowly wide. Greenock were persistent and the opener duly arrived from an unlikely source. Thomas Docherty picked the ball up on the right and cut inside onto his weaker left foot. He then unleashed a low drive into Graham's bottom left hand corner to the delight of the Greenock faithful. This joy was not to last long as Yoker made a change that had an immeadiate impact. The number 16 was left unmarked on the edge of the area and he drilled his effort low into the neat to make it all square. Yoker were encouraged by this and started to apply pressure to the Greenock rearguard. With the defence at sixes and sevens Yoker grabbed the lead when Yoker's number 8 smashed home a tremendous half volley leaving Meechan in the Greenock goal with no chance. Greenock were not slow in hitting back and found an equaliser within a minute of the restart. Johnny Robertson sent in an inch perfect cross which was hit first time by Monagahan for his 13th goal of the season. Greenock were not content to settle for the draw and went in search of the winner. From a Yoker corner Greenock broke quickly. Johnny Robertson fed Black down the right hand side who slipped it inside to Lappin. Lappin in turn fed the ball to Dow but his efort was easily saved by the home keeper. With time running out Greenock scored a goal that should have ensured the 3 points returned to Ravenscraig. Andy Monaghan raced clear down the left hand side before slipping the ball to Black who made no mistake by slipping the ball under the keeper to the delight of the travelling supporters. This was not to be as straight from the re-start Yoker piled forward to grab a last gasp equaliser. A high ball found it's way to the Yoker number 8 in acres of space, looking suspiciously offside. He didn't hang about and slotted beyond Meechan to steal a point at the death. Another improved performance from the Greenock team, they now go back to cup business on Saturday looking to continue the improvement
Teamlines:
Greenock Juniors: Meechan, Docherty, Mcilvogue, Foreman, Robertson, McIntyre(Bowie), Power, Lappin, Black, Dow, Monaghan
Yoker Athletic: ??
Goals: Greenock Juniors: Docherty, Monaghan, Black
Yoker Athletic: ??
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