Caught out in friendly fire

Aug 8 2008 Perthshire Advertiser Friday

Blairgowrie 1

St Andrews 2

Despite the scoreline, Blairgowrie can be satisfied with their performance against a strong St Andrews side at the Davie Park on Saturday.

Blairgowrie had four regular players missing, suffered two early injuries, and had to field a patchwork team, but they played some good football.

Ross Graham gave Blairgowrie a two-minute lead after a fine inter-passing move.

After Blairgowrie dominated the first-half, it was no surprise when the Fifers took control after the break, this being their third friendly.

Goals in 55 and 78 minutes put them ahead, although Blairgowrie bounced back in the closing stages and were unlucky not to equalise.

This Saturday Blairgowrie will play Glasgow side Ashfield in another friendly, kick-off 2.30pm.

Ashfield are a top junior side and will be a good test for Blairgowrie in preparation for the season ahead.

Blairgowrie's second new signing for the season, goalkeeper Gordon O'Brien, played throughout the match against St Andrews United.

He signed last week and was formely with St Johnstone.

''He will ben a fine acquisition to the squad,'' said Manager Billy Mackay.

BLAIRGOWRIE will meet a Dundee United XI at the Davie Park on Tuesday evening next week (August 5), kick-off 7pm.

Committee member Martin Mackay said the game would recognise the 10 years of continuous service given to the club by Mark Brash and Andy Murray.

''Both players have been instrumental in the success that club has enjoyed over the past decade, and we feel a Testimonial Match is a fitting tribute to them.

''Mark and Andy joined the club, both at the young age of 18.

Mark had played for Lochee United Juveniles, which at that time was managed by Blairgowrie legend, Dennis Elder. Mark found himself at the heart of the club's rebuilding programme and has remained a prominent player.

''After only two years at the Davie Park Mark was appointed club captain and has been outstanding in the role.

His ability to lead on and off the pitch has been an inspiration to his team mates.

Mark is a model captain who always leads from the front, with a desire and determination to win every match.

''Andy Murray made his mark in a Blairgowrie jersey the first time he wore one. In the Scottish Junior Cup first round in October 1998 Andy came off the bench and scored to seal the club's passage to the next round.

His flamboyant celebration on the bankings at Craigie Park still haunt members of the club.

''Andy is all about scoring goals, and many of them.

Nobody knows how to score an important goal and how to celebrate like Andy, and he has built up a special rapport with the fans.

''Having scored well over 100 goals for Blairgowrie, Andy Murray is a club legend in his own right.

''The two players will be piped on to the pitch by Graeme Thomson before the match with Dundee United, who probably had their visit to Blairgowrie on their minds during the Barcelona game last weekend.''

Dundee United have confirmed their squad will include reserves and members from the U19 squad.

One name that will be recognisable is David Goodwillie, who has been capped for Scotland at U19 level.

He was also the youngest player to score a goal in the SPL.

Dundee United manager Craig Levein hopes to be at the match.

Craig Levein and Billy Mackay are well acquainted with each other, having been team mates at Hearts during the 1985-86 season.

''We hope there will be a good crowd at the Davie Park for this special occasion,'' “After all it is not often that Dundee United find themselves playing at Davie Park. Prices have to be in accordance with the new East Region Premier League standards, adults £5 and concessions £2.''