Clydebank Post | Sport | Gary does the Biss for Yoker

Friday, 4th July, 2008

Published: Wednesday, 2nd April, 2008 10:00

Gary does the Biss for Yoker

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Yoker Athletic 2 Ashfield 1

The returning Gary Bissland inspired Yoker to victory and fired the Whe-Ho to within one point of second spot.

Yoker assistant manager Les George heaped praise on his striker, who scored the first and set up the second at Holm Park.

He said: “I’m pleased for Gary, not only for his goal but his overall contribution to the match.

“He had to wait a long time to get back in the side but he has taken that chance today. He tired as the game wore on but that’s to be expected.”

After defeat to Glencairn in the last outing, Bissland started alongside Graham Jaap and Bryan Boal. Scott Cameron and Kenny Murray missed out through injury whilst veteran striker Billy McLafferty dropped to the bench.

With so much at stake for both sides, the supporters could have been forgiven for expecting this match to be tight but instead both sides went for victory from the off.

Ashfield’s Kevin Miller had the first chance of the day, his effort stopped by Kenny Meechan eight yards out and Gordon Passmore slapped the rebound wide. Then Bissland set Ryan Frew free down the left and his cross was volleyed towards goal by Bryan Boal but straight down visiting keeper Steven McGovern’s throat.

The opening goal came on 24 minutes when an Alan Prentice delivery from the right was knocked back across goal and Bissland rose highest to bullet a header high into the top corner past McGovern.

Chances fell at both ends before the Whe-Ho doubled their advantage on 38 minutes.

Again Bissland’s contribution was key, his superb cross picking out Prentice at the back post and he volleyed back in across McGovern.

The Whe-Ho were good value for their lead at this stage and the backline of Graham Jaap, Scott McKay and Sean Brady were restricting Asfield to limited opportunities.

Ashfield began the second half determined to get back into the match. Following a couple of half chances, they reduced the arrears on 65 minutes.

Chalmers’ cross found strike partner Maxwell who drilled a low shot into the corner leaving Meechan with no chance.

Yoker’s Raymond Dunne came on for his first appearance of the season and the powerful forward held the ball up well.

Somewhat frustrated, Ashfield defender Jamie Reilly could have seen red for two wild lunges on Billy McLafferty but instead he picked up a yellow along with several other visiting players.

With just seconds left, an excellent defensive header from Sean Brady prevented Darren O’Donnell from pouncing for the equaliser and the final whistle was met with a mixture of extensive delight and relief.

In an excellent team performance, Bissland just edged the VB Contracts’ man of the match from midfield workhorse Lenny Marshall.

Les George added: “The result has put us really in the pack now.

“It is vital the players give themselves every opportunity to achieve promotion in the remainder of the season.”

This week the Whe-Ho make a short trip through the Clyde Tunnel to face Benburb at Tinto Park. It’s another massive match as the promotion quest continues, kick-off 2pm.

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