Montrose Roselea held by visiting Ellon United

Kieran Thomson lobs the keeper for a Roselea goal. Pic by Graham Douglas

After a cup defeat the previous Saturday, Roselea returned to league action with a home fixture against Ellon United who sat third bottom of the table. Striker Calum Watson was again unavailable, serving the second part of a two-game suspension.

Roselea lined up as follows: McCormack, Reoch, E Watson, Taylor, Davidson, Bailey, Beedie, Soutar, Thomson, Jamieson, Garnham, substitutes: Mitchell, Greig, Gill, Alberts, Stephen, McDonald, Tweed.

Roselea took the game to Ellon in the opening period with some good passing moves and the breakthrough came in 14 minutes when Reoch played a superb through ball to Thomson who controlled it nicely and lobbed the Ellon keeper.

Ellon gradually worked their way back into the game but it was Roselea who had the best opportunity to increase their lead when they were awarded an indirect free kick in the box when an Ellon defender had kneed the ball back to the keeper. A harsh decision but Roselea failed to take advantage.

Following a fine passing move, Soutar let fly with a tremendous strike from 30 yards but the Ellon keeper saved well. Play was now end- to- end but neither side took their chances so the half time score was Roselea 1 Ellon 1.

The second half saw Roselea continue to press but hesitancy in front of goal was costly as Ellon equalised in 60 minutes. The excellent Morrice crossed for Shand to nod in the equaliser. Roselea brought on Greig for Davidson and Alberts for Jamieson in an effort to make a breakthrough. The tempo of the game dropped but it sprang to life when Roselea’s Soutar was red carded for violent conduct and there were a couple of skirmishes. Roselea pushed again but the final score was Roselea 1 Ellon United 1.

This was a good Roselea performance with plenty of effort and a great passing game but they needed more sharpness in front of goal. The draw saw Roselea sit in sixth position in the McBookie North Superleague. They are one point behind fifth placed Aberdeen East End but have two games in- hand so the immediate aim is to get that 5th spot.

Next up is an away league game this Saturday against Colony Park, kick off 2pm. The next home fixture at Links Park is Saturday 26 February against Dyce with a 2pm kick off.