Forfar West End show battling qualities despite defeat

Forfar West End went down against Tayport but there were positives in the performance. Pic by Ryan Masheder

West End travelled across the bridge to play a top side in Tayport.

After the recent poor display in the Forfar derby , this was a time for the boys to show they wanted to stand up and be there for each other. And they didn’t disappoint. Captain Baz Gourlay returned after several weeks out injured.

Despite early pressure, West grew into the game but were undone by a goalmouth scramble and a failure to clear the danger, going behind 1-0.

However they were soon level after Benvie was felled in the box, Njie made no mistake from the spot. The open game went from end to end but it was the home side who regained the lead with a penalty-box header. The heads did not go down, and as half-time approached a great move was finished off by Benvie. 2-2 at the break.

Into the second half and West continued to give as good as they got, solid at the back and at this point the midfield was being won by Forfar.

However things then took a turn. Big decisions can change matches and sadly this was the case today. What looked a very clear handball was missed as Tayport went in front. Other decisions caused much confusion and consistently went against West End leaving the away supporters somewhat frustrated. To further compound the agony, after a lunging tackle on Samson, a stramash ensued involving many players. This resulted in Benvie seeing red.

But West End continued to show guts and they gave Tayport a game right to the end.

However their efforts took their toll and 2 late goals made the scoreline a little flattering for the team in red.

West End should be proud of themselves and showed great heart in matching one of the better sides in the league.

No matter how frustrating, in the end, they deserved the points.