Tayport are sitting in an uncomfortable position for a team of their stature and were also needing the points to start a challenge for promotion.
The forecast overnight frost turned to rain and despite it falling heavily all morning it stopped a
s kick off approached. The pitch was firm but likely to cut up.
Colin Page, Calum Watson and Ryan Strachan are still on the injury list, Jonny Mitchell was unavailable and Kevin Longmuir has been granted a transfer to Brechin Vics to become a player/coach. Gary Fraser stepped into Mitchell's boots.
Roselea had an early escape in the first minute when a Ferguson clearance caught Whyte out and Bryce managed to wriggle away from the Roselea defence only for the referee punish him harshly for a push.
Gary Fraser was looking lively and sent Jordan Reoch away on the right and his cross was almost turned into the net by a Tayport defender had it not been for a great save from Fitzpatrick.
Bryce was causing a few problems for the Roselea defence and a great David Craig tackle prevented him scoring in five minutes as the play swung from end to end. O'Connor then had a 25 yard drive saved by Mcleod and Tayport had loud appeals for a penalty turned down as a Roselea defender tackled the follow up chance.
Roselea had an appeal for penalty in 12 minutes. Gary Fraser got the better of Wemyss and Morris appeared to be holding his shirt as he broke into the box. Fraser got his shot in but Fitzpatrick saved.
A minute later Wemyss missed the ball again and Fraser attempted a long distance left foot shot but was well wide of the target. Roselea were on the up and a Mustard cross was just missed by Reoch and Fraser had a shot blocked again.
In 33 minutes disaster struck for Roselea when they went to sleep and conceded a penalty. Bryce worked a one-two on the half way line and raced clear, Mcleod attempted to clear with his feet and in doing so brought the striker down. Manzie converted the penalty. Surprisingly Mcleod was not booked for his foul.
As the half drew to a close another poor decision almost gifted Tayport a second goal. Bryce received the ball looking yards offside and Mcleod made a brilliant save with his feet to prevent a second Tayport goal. Rae replaced the injured Craig.
The second half started the same as the first ended when Ross Mcleod cleared from the feet of Bryce. In 50 minutes Whatley crossed and the dangerous Bryce had his header turned for a corner.
Roselea had a good spell and Whyte won two headers in the box but the ball would not break to a Roselea attacker.
Roselea were getting on top possession wise and Fotheringham collected a throw in from Mustard and shot just wide in 64 minutes. Ferguson then slipped allowing Reoch to hit the Tayport byeline but his near post ball was smothered by the Tayport keeper.
In 70 minutes the referee had a very strange decision when Mcleod raced from his goal and appeared to connect with the feet of Bryce, the referee waved play on and then noticed her far side assistant had flagged. She then pulled play back to award Tayport the free kick and Mcleod again escaped a booking or worse. The free kick was smashed against the Roselea wall.
Roselea's lack of luck almost worsened in the 80th minute. Elvin crossed and the ball looked like it was going out but somehow hit the far post and bounced back to Bryce who hit the ball straight at Mcleod with the goal gaping.
Scott Riach replaced Gary Fraser in 83 minutes.
Barry Donnachie had a shot saved by Mcleod a couple of minutes later after some good work by Kenneth on the left.
In the last minute, Roselea's frustration continued as Kennedy's free kick was narrowly wide and the referee called a halt to the proceedings.
Another terribly disappointing result for Roselea considering their performance merited at least a point. Tayport's Bryce did cause all sorts of problems and Roselea's only fault could be the lack of real scoring chances in the game.
Roselea have another chance to get their elusive first win when fellow strugglers Blairgowrie visit Broomfield Park this Saturday KO 1.45pm. Roselea then travel to Rosyth on December 19 for a Redwood Cup first round tie before the league has its first festive closedown for many years with no games on December 26 or January 2.
Roselea: Mcleod, Mustard, Whyte, Miller, Graham, Reoch, Fotheringham, David Craig, Kerrigan, Kennedy, Fraser. Subs: Rae, Riach, Doug Craig, Brand.
