Kennoway Star Hearts 1 Broughty Athletic 1
The first home game of the season saw KSH entertain Broughty Athletic. It was a game the hosts were hoping to put their first points on the board against the league leaders.
Perfect conditions for football saw a measured approach from both team`s as they tried to get to grips with each other . Very little in goal scoring opportunities in the opening stages but plenty player versus player battles building.
Band was a constant thorn in the Broughty full backs flesh as he got beyond him several times only to be fouled on each occasion. The tempo started to pick up and the threat on the Broughty right was causing concern for the Kennoway rearguard.
One dangerous cross into the penalty area saw Rolland hack his clearance of his own upright as the ball cannoned to safety.
The first real scoring chance fell to the feet of Muir who saw his half volley from twelve yards sail wide of the post. Then a tantalising cross from Craig saw the ball take a nick of a defender forcing the Broughty `keeper to palm the ball out.
A well drilled Broughty team had a great chance to open the scoring when Milne saw a low drive saved by the ever alert Paterson.
The first goal did arrive in the twenty fifth minute and it was a gift from the Broughty defence. A pass back was short and Craig pounced on the ball to dribble it past the keeper and roll the ball home from the edge of the area. The goal was welcomed with a massive roar much to the relief of the management as the last two games had drew a blank.
Minutes after Johnstone had to leave the field of play due to an injury.
In the thirty sixth minute a penalty award for the away side as Milne went down in the box. McLellan stepped up and struck a powerful shot to Paterson`s right hand side, the `keeper who had been in fine form stretched every sinew as he diverted the ball away for a corner kick. A massive lift for the home side as half time was approaching.
A body blow almost on the half time whistle saw a long ball catch out the KSH defence, despite the claims for offside the assistant kept his flag down as Milne walked the ball around Paterson and into the net. HT 1-1
Kicking up the "slope" in the second half KSH settled quickly and Craig was enjoying his forays down the right. His quick direct style was paying dividends as he enjoyed a lot of the ball in the opening ten minutes of the half. Several crosses into the danger area were met by ex Scotland international Gary Kenneth as KSH enjoyed a good start to the half.
Craig then saw a run and shot from twenty five yards saved at the second attempt by Ross.
McLellan was a major threat for the away side. He was another player who had the ability to drift past players with a languid style added to his running power when needed. Another run and shot cannoned off the crossbar as the game surged from end to end.
A Band corner kick was met by the head of Rolland as the ball looked to be heading goal-wards the ball scraped the outside of the post. It was a great chance to edge back in front as the game entered the last quarter.
A surging run from M.Gay saw the forward pick out Band wide left inside the penalty area, several players closed the young attacker down and another chance had passed.
At the other end Paterson was called into action again showing his agility with another fine save from McLellan.
A reshuffle saw KSH move to a back four in the closing minutes with Band moving to full back. The versatile Band made a goal saving tackle with only a few minutes remaining as Milne looked certain to score, however the KSH man took a heavy blow to his leg and had to be carried off the pitch.
The referee blew for time and KSH got their first point on the board against a very good Broughty Athletic side. A game that entertained from first minute until last. FT 1-1
Team: Paterson Rolland Partridge McGowan Johnstone Craig Muir C.Gay Band J.Binnington M.Gay Subs: Page Bremner Davidson Young Newlands
Next Game is at Home Wednesday v Jeanfield Swifts 16th Aug ko 18.45 then away 19th Aug to Broxburn Athletic ko 2.30pm
