Paul Watson Testimonial Match
Montrose 1 – 3 Dundee XI
24/3/24
Links Park, Montrose
A Dundee XI side took part in Paul Watson’s testimonial match this afternoon. The testimonial was celebrating Paul’s 12 years at Montrose FC and Dundee FC were delighted to be selected as the opposition for his testimonial match.
Dundee’s squad was mainly made up of players from the club’s development team but they were joined by Harry Sharp who started in goal and Jack Wilkie who was on the bench.
It was nearly the dream start for the man of the day Paul Watson had a shot on goal after two minutes, but Harry Sharp made the stop to deny him the goal in the opening stages.
It was Montrose that started the brightest having a further two chances in the opening 15 minutes. Batchelor had a chance through on goal with Sharp but his shot went over the bar. Watson tried again and was again denied by Sharp. A long ball out to the wing from Dillon was cut back to Watson, who had a shot, but Sharp made a great save. In 18 minutes Watson left the field of play to a standing ovation.
Dundee’s first real chance of the game came after 24 minutes and they took it. Euan Mutale found space and fired a shot past the keeper to give Dundee the lead.
Montrose came close to equalising shortly after, Batchelor had a shot from the edge of the box which came off the post and the rebound was sent wide of the goal. The teams went into the break with the young Dee’s leading 0-1.
Montrose started brightly and hit the bar from a free-kick two minutes into the second half.
Dundee came close to adding a second when Luke Graham, currently on loan at Montrose for the league season, had a shot from the edge of the box but the keeper held.
On 70 minutes Dundee got their second goal and it was Mutale again. A cross in found Mutale who connected with the ball and his header beat the keeper and trickled over the line.
Harry Sharp left the field of play to be replaced by Tom Welsh in the goal.
Montrose were still looking for their first goal of the game and it nearly came after a looping shot but Mitchell was on the line to clear away for The Dee.
Montrose did get their goal in the 88th minute, Watson returned to the field of play and he dribbled through the Dundee defence and slotted the ball past Welsh. Watson got the goal he deserved in his testimonial match.
However, it was not the last goal of the game, with the visitors adding to their lead. Richardson got the ball played through to him and rounded the keeper before knocking it into the back of the net to make it three for The Dee. The match ended Montrose 1 – 3 Dundee XI, but the day was all about Paul Watson and his fantastic service to Montrose FC. Dundee FC thanks Montrose FC and the Paul Watson Testimonial Committee for their hospitality and for inviting us to provide the opposition.
Dundee XI
30 Harry Sharp
2 Wallace Baird
3 Marlie Sweenie-Rowe
5 Louis Gray
6 Callum Lamb
8 Trialist
9 Euan Mutale
10 Finlay Allan
11 Alex Barnett
16 Craig Donald (c)
18 Michael Hunter
Substitutes – All substitutes played a part in the match
41 (GK) Tom Welsh
7 Josh Mitchell
14 Luke Graham
15 Jack Wilkie
17 Jamie Richardson
19 Lewis Lorimer
21 Daniel Johnson
25 Aston Leiper
27 Scott Robertson
Goal scorers for Dundee
Euan Mutale x2
Jamie Richardson
