The Pink



LINKS AND DOUNE SHARE THE POINTS IN SIX GOAL THRILLER by Jane Rankin Links earned a share of the points in a six goal thriller against Doune Castle. At the top of his form, birthday boy Jason Wilson was the star of the show with a great hat trick. His first two goals came within ten minutes of the start and Doune did not know what had his them. The Caledonian League visitors started the game at a fast pace and played a superb passing game from the kick off. Wilson's first goal came after seven minutes when he met a cross at the far post perfectly and struck it high into the net. Three minutes later Links went two goals ahead when Wilson was again on target and gave the keeper no chance with his shot. It could have been a hat trick almost immediately as Wilson was put through but was blown for offside. Chances were then made for both teams and while Links keeper Darren Walker did well to tip over from Doune's Colquhoun, a right footed shot from Jordan Leishman was equally unlucky at the other end. Wilson then had what appeared to be his easiest chance when he was found by a loved cross from Paul Roberts, but he was unable to get behind the ball and the opportunity was lost. On the half hour Doune pulled a goal back from shot by Martyn Kilgannon that was flicked over the keeper.a free kick by Martin Kilgannon that caught Links' Jamie McMeekin and gave keeper Walker no chance. Links had further chances before half time that fell to Leishman, Sutherland and Roberts and they were unlucky not to extend the lead. However, almost on half time Doune's a free kick by John Hamilton that caught Links' Jamie McMeekin and gave keeper Walker no chance. Half time 2-2 Following a stern half time team talk from Manager Stephen Osborne, Links were back in the lead as Wilson great left foot shot from the edge of the box that sailed into the net for his hat trick and a 3-2 Links advantage. A well deserved achievement on his 27th birthday. Midway through the half, Ryan Dignan and Peter Carrol were brought on for Sutherland and Greig and both sides continued to push forward. Doune made the breakthrough they were looking for with an equaliser from Richard Smith and although Links pressed hard for the winner until the final whistle they were unable to snatch the winner. Manager Osborne said, "I was delighted with Wilson's hat trick and although disappointed not to have three points, I am pleased with our continued impressive performances in the Caledonian Premier Division, where there are no easy games." Doune Castle : Alan McGirr, Blair Falconer, Alan More, Fraser McLachlan, Euan Cameron, Richard Smith, Harry Bruce, John Colquhoun, Martyn Kilgannon, John Hamilton, Ian Tervit. Subs : Murran Falconer, Malcolm Scott, Duncan Morrison, Fabian Schuelke, Steven Eddie, Ally Scott Links United : Darren Walker, Jamie McMeekin, Stephen Weatherspoon, Stewart Siegal, Alan Brownlie, Gavin Frizzell, Jason Wilson, Christopher Greig, Jordan Leishman, Paul Roberts, John Sutherland. Subs : Ryan Dignan, Gavin Thomson, Neil Brownlie, Gavin Crowther, David Newton, Andy Ritchie Links meet Lothian Star in the Scottish Amateur Cup on Saturday at the Civil Service Ground with a 2.30pm kick off.