Rothesay Brandane AFC continued their good form on Saturday, securing a statement 4-2 victory over high-flying Gartcosh.
The hosts couldn’t have asked for a better start, slicing through the Danes’ defence within two minutes by exploiting the same left-wing channel that caused problems in their previous meeting. Gartcosh played a one-two to get behind the backline before a low cross was met by the Gartcosh number 20, who poked the ball past Jamie Robertson to give the home side an early lead.
The early deficit did little to rattle the Danes. Instead, they settled into their rhythm, led by the composed veteran Jim McAlister. In the 12th minute, McAlister collected the ball from deep and went on a driving run into the heart of the Gartcosh half. He found Jack McKirdy on the edge of the area, whose instinctive half-volley beat the keeper but rattled the woodwork—a sign of things to come.
The equalizer arrived in the 19th minute via a goal of the season contender. In a fluid team move, McKirdy showed superb awareness to flick a first-time pass into Robert Fisher. Fisher’s hold-up play was excellent, laying the ball back to McKirdy, who threaded a pass to Sean Lawrence. Isolated one-v-one with the full-back, the skipper cut inside and unleashed a stunning strike into the top corner. It was Lawrence’s 24th goal of the campaign and arguably his finest.
Gartcosh nearly regained the lead in the 27th minute when their number seven produced an exquisite first touch to latch onto a long ball, but he blazed his effort over the bar with only the keeper to beat.
The Danes responded by hitting the post for a second time before the break.
McKirdy’s relentless pressing forced a turnover, allowing Fisher to release Lawrence, who again skipped past the Gartcosh full back only to see his effort rebound off the post.
But Gartcosh emerged from the interval with intent, forcing a spectacular save from Jamie Robertson in the 51st minute. The Danes’ number one showed great reflexes to tip a goal-bound free-kick over the bar, keeping the scores level.
That save proved pivotal as the Danes took the lead four minutes later. Fisher’s lofted ball into the right channel found McKirdy, who controlled it on his chest and drove to the byline. His cross caused chaos in the six-yard box, forcing the Gartcosh right-back to turn the ball into his own net.
The momentum stayed with the visitors. In the 57th minute, Yasser Basit led a high press, winning a vital tackle in the centre circle. McKirdy picked up the loose ball and returned the favour with a perfectly weighted through-ball for the onrushing Basit, who kept his cool to slot home for 3-1.
Despite a late scare in the 80th minute—where an unfortunate slip allowed Gartcosh to pull one back through their number 18—the Danes remained composed.
The match was sealed in the final moments. Gartcosh were awarded a dangerous free-kick on the edge of the box, but the Danes’ wall stood firm. From the block, the visitors launched a devastating counter-attack. Lawrence carried the ball deep into Gartcosh territory, drew the keeper out, and unselfishly squared it to Bailey Gilmour. Gilmour, who had started the move defending the free-kick in his own box, tapped into the empty net and sparked celebrations.
It was arguably the most complete performance of the season for the Brandanes. With their unbeaten league run now stretched to seven games, the Danes return home this Saturday to face Rhu. Kick-off is 2pm at Rothesay Joint Campus.
