Forget about X-Factor finalists, it’s Breadalbane who have the Christmas number one spot this year. With title favourites Roselea slipping up for the first time this season, Breadalbane maintained their unbeaten run to top the league going into the festive break.

Visitors Auchterarder have been a surprise package in the First Division this season, and in the early stages they showed just why, pinning Breadalbane into their own half during the opening 15 minutes. The home defence were in no mood for any festive goodwill, however, and firmly shackled the pacy Auchterarder front men.

It was possibly against the run of play, then, when the home side opened the scoring. Lee Veitch did well to dig out an effort from 20 yards that dipped over the keeper and struck the underside of the bar. Gavin Price was alert to the situation, though, and threw himself at the rebound to nod the opener past the stranded goalie.

An open and entertaining encounter ensued, with both sides endeavouring to play a passing game on the open spaces of the Aberfeldy pitch.

Breadalbane started to dominate as the match wore on into the second half, but Auchterarder always looked sharp and dangerous going forward. One such break saw McAdam do well to recover the situation with a last ditch tackle, but this was just a warning of what was to come. Another ball beyond the back four caught out the home defence and this time McAdam’s covering tackle was deemed illegal. The penalty award seemed a little harsh but Menzies consigned any grievances to the dustbin with a fine stop to maintain the narrow lead.

Manager Robertson reacted with a substitution that paired Jacobs with Price up front, allowing the livewire da Silva the run of the right flank. And the move proved instantly inspired.

Jacobs played da Silva in with an outrageous back heel and collected a return pass inside the box. In a seemingly tight spot, the big man simply stuck his toe at the ball and it fairly flew into the top corner. Big Jake is proving to be a real impact substitute, though this is a tag that he’ll be keen to shake off as he tries to force himself into the starting eleven.

Thus, Breadalbane’s excellent season continues and they’ve deservedly taken the top spot with nearly half the season gone. A lot of tough games lie ahead, however, before any talk of league titles can be considered. The side seem to have developed a winning knack, though, that is turning last season’s frustrating draws into victories. Long may it continue.

Breadalbane:
Menzies, Cromb, Thomas, McAdam, Dewar, McBride (Jacobs), Klatschak, Veitch, Carr, G Price, da Silva

Subs (not used): C Price, D Robertson