Rhu Amateurs defeat Rothesay in Argyll and Bute derby

The team earned a hard-fought and much-needed 3-2 away win against Rothesay Brandane after travelling across the water on Saturday.

Reflecting on a "mixed" recent spell in what has been a "hard season" for his team, Brodie said: "Two weeks ago our first team coach Alan Campbell decided his time was up at Rhu and stepped away from the club.

"His service has been nothing short of remarkable and he has brought the club on leaps and bounds over the last three or four years with his tireless work ethic, incredible knowledge and infectious personality.

"Everyone within the Caledonian team wishes Alan well and his will be a huge void to fill."

In the team's first match without Campbell earlier this month, they couldn't have faced a tougher opponent as league leaders Bannockburn were welcomed to Ardenconnel Park.

READ MORE: Rhu Colts look to 'go on another run' after losing unbeaten league streak

Despite the gap in the table Rhu put on a battling display and outmatched their rivals with desire and fight - and on another day if they took their chances they could and should have won the game.

But Bannockburn are top of the league for a reason and after scoring early on they took the opportunities that came their way and scored two goals in the last five minutes to win 3-0.

On Saturday, Rhu made the trip across the water to face Rothesay in the Argyll and Bute derby with with a patched-up squad of just 13 players.

(Image: Iain Cochrane) This, however, didn't stop them from flying out the blocks and dominating an early physical contest.

But once again slack play allowed the opposition to take the lead with a very well taken penalty.

Rhu recovered from the early setback and proceeded to play their best football of the season.

READ MORE: Wet weather fails to dampen spirits at Rhu Amateurs legends day

Drew McCann started the comeback with an incredible curling finish into the postage stamp to bring the away side level.

Then man mountain 'Ledge' started to run the show and the islanders couldn't handle him.

A delightful through ball saw Ryan Jones outmatch the whole defence with blistering pace before a cute chip over the onrushing keeper to give the visitors the lead.

The 'Ledge' once again played a spectacular cross field ball over to Jordan Wyllie who coolly slotted the ball past the home keeper to make it 3-1 to the visitors. The remainder of the half saw Rhu completely dominate possession in what was a joy to watch for Brodie.

After the interval Rothesay came out flying and made for an interesting last period of the game when they capitalised on a mistake that should have been dealt with.

The home side tried to impose themselves on the game but Rhu were in no mood to give them a way back into the tie, controlling the remainder of the game and shutting up shop to finish with three points.

Brodie added: "This has been a notoriously hard place for us to get the three points in recent years and with everything that's been going on in the last few weeks this was a huge result and one we hope can kickstart our season."

Next up is a home game against Drumchapel on November 23; kick off at 1.30pm.

Meanwhile, the club's Colts team, competing in the Glasgow Colleges BOCA Championship, also enjoyed a winning weekend after travelling to Kirkintilloch on Saturday morning to face current league leaders Rosebank.

After a disappointing defeat to Clydebank Red Star last time out which ended the side's unbeaten run, it took the visitors a while to get into their stride in the first half.

The home side created some early pressure but as Rhu started to find their rhythm the game settled into the tight affair that was expected between two teams at the top end of the table.

Chances came and went for both sides but as the clock was nearing half time it was the visitors who took the lead, top scorer Jordan Molloy breaking the deadlock with a wicked strike from the left of the penalty box that took the keeper by surprise.

Rosebank, unsurprisingly, came out the traps fast at the start of the second period as they tried to get back level and their persistency paid off an hour in when a quickly taken free kick caught the visitors off guard and despite a couple of blocked shots the ball eventually found the back of the net.

The game once again became end to end with both defences on top, so the next goal would be important. However, when it arrived it was also brilliant.

READ MORE: 'Draw felt like a loss': Rhu Colts boss 'subdued' despite maintaining unbeaten run

A cross into the box by Burch was headed clear with the ball looping up into the sky, and as it fell to the ground Eammon Moy, from 25 yards out, hit it on the volley and fired it home to give the away side the advantage.

The home side were stunned again four minutes later when Lewis Thomson, who had only been on the park for a few minutes, scored from just inside the box with another rasping shot.

With the two-goal advantage the game was managed comfortably almost to the end but a late Rosebank goal made for a nervy last couple of minutes before it finished 3-2 in favour of Rhu.

Manager Jamie Kjorstad said: “It was really good to bounce back after last week's defeat, we had two good training sessions through the week and a good discussion with the lads about the last game and where they thought it went wrong.

"I’m pleased for them all that they took it all in and produced that performance today.”

Squad: Agnew, Court, Jeffrey, Moy, Kjorstad, Brown, Thomson, Adams, Henry, Scullion, Burch, Milton, Molloy, McConnell, Black, McKenna.

League duty takes a rest this weekend as Burnhill are the visitors to Ardenconnel in the first round of the Garvey Cup.