Shire finally kick off the season

The Shire failed to win in both there outings at the borders last season, and we hoping to make amends and pick up there first one of the season at Galabank. Bolo, Stevenson, Sorley and Ure were all missing from the starting line-up as Goalkeeper Jamie Newman made his debut for the second time. David Dunn replaced Jamie Stevenson. There was a strong wind at Annan, and it was the home side that had the first chance at goal. Donaldson brought down Neilson and the prolific Jack hit the resulting free kick into the Shire wall. Only minutes later Summergill had to look lively with McGuire's effort, after some nice link up play with strike partner Andy Rodgers. Summersgill again come to Annan's rescue after the 5 minute mark. A Dunn free kick was swung into the box and found the head of Craig Tully, but the big Centre Halfs header was well saved by the impressive keeper. The 1st Half was rather drab and there wasn't much in the way of entertainment, although the Away support couldn't help but laugh when David Cox got away from the Shire Defence only to slip and squander a decent chance. The Shire should have gone ahead on 20 minutes. Paul Weaver hit a shot that was again well saved by Summersgill, Dunn stepped up with the corner which David King rose unmarked for but unfortunately squandered the chance and headed over the cross bar. The big Centre Half knew he should have bagged his first goal in over a year. Minutes before the half time whistle, Summersgill again kept Annan in the game. Donaldson broke away down the left hand side, his cross into the box was poorly dealt with by the Annan defence and Weaver's half volley was caught sweetly. Half Time: Annan Athletic 0 - 0 East Stirlingshire The shire had the wind to there backs in the 2nd half, and started the game brightly. However it was on the 52nd minute where the deadlock was broken. McGUIRE collected the ball on the left hand side, cut in and hit a 35 yard drive into the top left hand corner. 1-0 to the Shire, and a piece of magic from the new boy. Shortly afterwards David Dunn was to receive his marching orders. Having already been booked for a tug on the shirt during the first half, Jack Steele fell over the ex Ayr United man's trailing leg, and much to the surprise of everyone the referee, Steven Nicholls, sent him packing. Annan didn't make the one man advantage count, and it was the Shire who were next to threaten the goal, this time David Kind hit a free kick from inside his own half that Summersgill managed to collect on his own line. The lively Marc McKenzie came on to replace Richardson and nearly got himself on the score sheet. With 10 minutes to go the little winger got away from his marker and had his first chance at running at the Defence, however his long range effort was tipped over the bar. Full Time: Annan Athletic 0 - 1 east Stirlingshire