Breadalbane returned to league duty at the weekend with a trip to Alyth. The hosts have struggled to pick up points this season as they try to blood a new, young side and Breadalbane were keen to ensure that this remained the case.

Although deprived of the width and pace of Carr and Jamieson for the match, Breadlabane welcomed the return of Dewar and Jacobs to the squad after lengthy absences. A perfect footballing day and an immaculate playing surface set the scene for an entertaining afternoon’s football.

After an evenly contested opening period, Breadlabane began to impose themselves upon the game. However, once again, a frustrating lack of composure in front of goal ensured that the tie remained goal-less, with Cromb, Price, da Silva and Veitch passing up good early opportunities. A disallowed Price strike only added to the frustration and it took an acrobatic leap from Menzies at the other end to keep the scores level.

Eventually, however, it was Price who finished off a slick counter-attacking move to relieve the tension. Da Silva then rolled in a clever finish just before half time to give the away side some breathing space.

Two early second half chances for Alyth provided a warning that the game was still far from won. By this time, though, the wearying and inexperienced home defence were finding themselves increasingly stretched, with the pace and movement of da Silva proving a constant threat. It was the pint-sized striker who all but clinched the points with a third goal. Breaking free of his marker once more, he rounded the keeper before calmly slotting a finish past the flailing covering defenders.

The constant pressure took its toll again shortly after when an awkward ball into the box resulted in an Alyth defender screwing a clearance into his own net. With the game comfortably won, da Silva wrapped up a satisfying afternoon’s work with a fierce shot that sealed his hat-trick.

All in all, then, there was much to please manager Duncan Robertson ahead of two testing ties in the North of Tay and Scottish Cups. Once again an experienced back line held firm and a return of 10 goals in the last two games is testament to the confidence and attacking intent he has instilled this season.

Breadalbane:
Menzies, I Robertson, Thomas, McAdam, C Price (MacDougall), Cromb (Dewar), Klatschak, Veitch, McBride, G Price (Jacobs), D da Silva

Subs (not used)
Milne, M da Silva