Paisley Pirates 2 Edinburgh Capitals 3 at Lagoon Leisure Centre 1/3/2003
Scottish National League

This match, and the return in Edinburgh the following evening, was seen by many as league title showdowns, both sides only losing one league match each this season. The match itself was very much a case of Pirates snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.

Although the match opened in a very open fashion, neither side could create anything in front of goal. Indeed in the first clear chances didn’t come until Pirates found themselves shorthanded for 4 minutes, Roger Monson and James Clark taking the only penalties of the opening period. Despite Capitals enjoying pressure on the powerplay, they couldn’t find a way by Damien Orr. Pirates, themselves, had their best chance to date at this time when John Churchill went close on a shorthanded breakaway. Playing off the powerplay seemed to settle Pirates and back at even strength, they began to press but couldn’t find the opening goal. So the first period ended scoreless.

Pirates began the second period still looking the more likely to score but they had to wait until the 28th minute, and survive another powerplay on the way, to finally break the deadlock when Churchill sent a wrist shot home from the right circle. Pirates were then given a powerplay of their own just past the midway point of the period but couldn’t convert. Capitals almost stole an equaliser in the 34th minute but Ross Hay fired off the post from close range. Another powerplay followed for Capitals but Pirates defence held to maintain their slender lead at the second break.

Capitals quickly equalised at the start of the final session, but had to rely on good fortune to do it, David Beatson’s point shot after only 41 seconds, deflecting off a skate past the helpless Orr. This set up a free flowing period to the match with both sides trading chances but it was Pirates who seemed to strike a decisive blow in the 44th minute when Stuart McCaig fired them back in front, although Pirates indiscipline reared its head in the aftermath of the goal, Monson left to cool off after receiving a 10 minute personal misconduct. Pirates who looked to have the game under control, seemed to lose their way and the last 10 minutes were all Capitals and it was no surprise when Neil Hay ghosted through the Pirates defence in the 56th minute to level things up again. The writing was on the wall at this point and only 75 seconds later, Beatson found himself totally alone in front of goal and he didn’t squander the opportunity. Pirates were given one last chance on a late powerplay opportunity but couldn’t convert on this or when they pulled Orr for an extra attacker.

So for the third time this season no more than a goal separated these two sides, but pending the return in Edinburgh may be a decisive blow for the men from the East in this season’s league race.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Paisley: Orr Edinburgh: Flockhart
SCORING:
Paisley: Churchill, McCaig 1+0, Monson 0+1
Edinburgh: Beatson 2+1, N. Hay 1+0, Francey 0+1
NETMINDING:
Paisley: Orr 25 shots/3 goals Edinburgh: Flockhart 22 shots/2 goals
PENALTIES:
Paisley: Monson 14 minutes, Clark, Churchill, G. Nelson 2
Edinburgh: Beatson, R. Hay, Lamb 2