After an extended festive lay-off due to the wintry weather, Rothesay Brandane AFC returned to action two weeks ago. In a match defined by heavy pitch conditions and a touch of festive rust, the Danes fought back from a goal down to secure a 1-1 draw away at Glasgow University.
The opening exchanges saw the Danes looking the more likely to break the deadlock, with full-backs Donald McLean and Calum Robertson providing constant outlets and providing chances for Sean Lawrence, who saw a volley saved and a deflected effort whistle over the bar within the first ten minutes.
But Glasgow University grew into the game, testing Danes keeper William Lawrence with two quick-fire chances around the 15-minute mark. The momentum swung back towards Rothesay in the 28th minute when Jim McAlister won the ball back in the middle of the park to set up Joe Livingstone – his audacious 30-yard strike left the keeper stranded but smashed against the crossbar.
But disaster struck when, against the run of play, the hosts took the lead in the 32nd minute. A floated free-kick fell to the Glasgow Uni number ten, whose snapshot found its way through the hands of Lawrence to make it 1-0 before half-time.
The Danes emerged for the second-half with renewed intensity and the pressure told in the 53rd minute when skipper Sean Lawrence was hauled down in the area. Lawrence stepped up himself, sending the keeper the wrong way to level the scores from the penalty spot.
The 15 minutes to follow became the Jack McKirdy show. The number ten was a constant thorn in the Uni side, driving at the defence, creating a chance for McAlister before going close to scoring on two occasions. Substitute Ally McLean also made an immediate impact, forcing a save from the Glasgow Uni keeper in the 62nd minute.
Despite a frantic double-chance in the 69th minute—where Donald McLean saw a shot saved and a goal-bound cross somehow blocked—the heavy pitch began to take its toll. Both sides struggled for rhythm in the closing 20 minutes as the game finished all square.
