The first match of the season opened with a bang as Tans lost a goal inside the first minute when a low cross was dispatched by an unmarked striker. Tans rallied quickly and started to take hold of the match with Mick McNellis and Ian Davidson looking solid at the back and Willie Hamilton providing the steel in midfield.

Tans were soon back in the match and had a couple of shots at goal before Ian Fraser's inswinging corner was met, almost on the goal line, by the head of Willie Hamilton. The goal visibly lifted Tannahill and midway through the half they were in front. Lee McMenamay picked up a loose ball in the centre circle and threaded an inch perfect pass through to Ian Fraser who expertly clipped the ball over the advancing goalie from 12 yards.

Boswell drew level almost right away as a long throw was nodded into the net. Tannahill, again, rolled the sleeves up and added two more goals before the break. The first came when a magnificent long ball from Willie McMenamay was controlled inside the box by Gary Young who then slotted it into the corner. This was followed soon after by a rare goal from McNellis when he looped a shot into the corner from the edge of the box.

HALF TIME 2-4

It was stressed at half time the importance of getting the next goal, but this obviously didn't register with many of the Tans players as they produced a lacklustre second 45. The tone was set early in the second half as Boswell seemed to win every ball and were a yard quicker in every department. The home side were soon back level with two goals in two minutes as the game slipped away from a weary Tannahill.

The inevitable happened with 15 minutes to go as the Boswell number 8, cut in from the Tannahill right and curled a wonderful effort into the postage stamp to give the home side a 5-4 advantage.

Tannahill had to try and claw something back and pushed forward going man for man at the back. Ian Fraser went close, when the Boswell goalie smothered his effort, then with time almost up, Tans were awarded a penalty when the ref spotted a push in the box. Lee McMenamay stepped up and slotted the ball straight down the middle to the anguish of the Boswell keeper.

Tannahill will have to improve if they are to mount a serious challenge for the title. Perhaps some of the players unlucky to be left out of the line up for this one will be given the chance to make the difference next time.


For photos from the match click here