Thistle shock Vics

Apr 18 2012 by Andrew Weston, Wishaw Press

OVERTOWN THISTLE chairman George Thomson praised his players this week after they recorded a shock 3-2 win over previously unbeaten Shotts Victoria in a Premier League clash at Pather Park on Saturday.

Thistle were pegged back twice by resilient Vics before Mark Boyle scored the winner on 70 minutes.

“We had to be at our best on Saturday to take all three points,” a delighted Thomson said.

“The Vics are a very good side, on target to comfortably retain their title. They are the benchmark for the rest of us.

“Last season we finished second behind them but we are rebuilding our team this year and have brought in a lot of youngsters.

“On Saturday, we tried a new back three for the first time and they looked solid and organised.

“I was impressed with them so hopefully we will build on this result, push on up the league table and try to win the John Roan Cup.”

Overtown started the match strongly, with striker Kevin McDonald missing two good chances early on.

Eventually they took a deserved lead. when Jamie Johnston headed powerfully into the net from a corner kick on 24 minutes.

Not surprisingly, Shotts rallied and were level seven minutes later, Conor Rutherford drilling a low shot into the net from the edge of the area.

Jags striker McDonald made amends for his earlier misses when he finished off a fine move on 37 minutes, shooting high into the net from 10 yards out.

Winger Andy Sim nearly doubled their advantage on the stroke of half-time but saw his shot blocked by the goalkeeper, who had raced clear of the defence.

Shotts started the second half strongly and were back level within four minutes of the restart when midfielder Paul Traynor thundered a free-kick home from the edge of the box.

Both teams were looking for a winner and it was Overtown who struck the decisive blow with 20 minutes remaining.

The dangerous Sim expertly picked out Boyle at the far post and he showed great composure to side-foot the ball home.

Vics could have equalised late in the game but Overtown’s back three of Jamie Johnston, Gordon Gunn and Stuart Grant were impressive as the side held on for all three points.

Thomson added: “It was a great win because Graham Osborne has done a terrific job at Shotts

“His sides are always very competitive and they play football with a swagger.

“Before Saturday, they had only lost two matches since August, which were in national cup competitions, and they are in a strong position to win all four trophies left available to them.”