2pm 1 June 2024
Scottish Premier Amateur League, Championship Division
Greenock High School Former Pupils 1 Steins Thistle 0 (att 230)
This match was billed as a title decider, and it would have been had it not ended in a single goal win for Greenock HSFP, the one result that meant a play-off would be required.
Ahead of the final scheduled league match of their seasons, Steins had a three point advantage, so needed to draw or win to be champions. The home side needed victory by at least two goals, to get the better on the clubs' head-to-head record.
In case you're wondering, goal difference isn't used to separate teams tied on points, sensibly on account of the number of matches conceded as walkovers.
It was a match that hinged on two Greenock HSFP penalties. The first, after 30 minutes, was well saved. The second, in stoppage time, was scored.
Steins, needing just a draw, set out to defend and to slow down play whenever possible. Occasionally, but rarely, they threatened on the break, but their main aim was to frustrate their hosts.
They stuck to the task well, and apart from the spot kicks Greenock had few clear chances. Once ahead the home side pressed for a late winner, but time was against them.
The two sides will now play again to decide the title, at a neutral venue on Wednesday 12 June.
Greenock HSFP play home games on the 3G pitch at Battery Park, a venue where I watched a match on the adjacent grass playing field in 2020.
It's not bad for a 3G venue. The surrounding fence isn't too obtrusive, and is set far back enough from the pitch to allow easy spectator access. To cater for the large crowd, parts of both touchlines were taped off for this game.
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