Dundonald Bluebell 3 Kennoway Star Hearts 2
It was derby day at Moorside Park as Dundonald and Kennoway ran out to a sizeable crowd on what promised to be an action packed match.
The early exchanges saw very little action at either goal as opportunities were scarce as the midfield battle progressed. As the half moved along the "Bluebell" started to get early crosses into the KSH penalty area. Doig and Rolland in the centre were having to clear time after time when there was a five minute spell of constant pressure.
Shots from distance were all the home side could muster as slowly KSH started to gain a foothold in the match. M.Gay and Craig linked well on the right hand side of attack before releasing Muir, the midfielder evaded a lunge from a defender before dispatching the ball into the net from the edge of the area. The "goal" however was disallowed as the linesman`s flag was raised with players, supporters and officials alike bemused by the call.
Despite the set back KSH looked to have gained some confidence from this and next up was a Johnstone free kick from twenty yards that brought home a good save from the home `keeper.
The "Bluebell" also had a great chance to open the scoring on the half hour mark but their striker opted to shoot when a ball inside would have left a simple tap in.
Another set piece from KSH saw a well worked move create the chance for Johnstone, the midfielder slammed the ball into the bottom corner but the referee ruled an infringement earlier in the attack as another goal was disallowed.
Just when it looked as if the away side was getting the upper hand the home side struck. A diagonal ball into the box broke to Smith who struck a firm angled drive into the net.
With eight minutes until half time the home side upped their game and really should have made it two when an effort from Sibanda looked to be goal-bound until Partridge somehow hooked the ball clear. Another shot from distance saw Paterson smother the ball with Smith ready to pounce for any spillage. HT 1-0
The half began with Dundonald having the upper hand as they again looked to get the ball wide before putting in early crosses for Smith and Sibanda to attack. The odd foray from Craig gave Kennoway a good out ball. On one occasion the winger drifted from his usual right hand side to the left, his direct style of play saw him torment Durie as the ball arrived at the feet of Johnstone only for his shot to sail over the crossbar.
With fifteen minutes of the half gone the "Bluebell" doubled up on the right wing, a quick passing move saw an early cross land on the head of Smith who powered the ball home from eight yards past the helpless Paterson.
Straight from the centre KSH looked to get back in the game when Johnstone was fouled. From the free kick the midfielder caught out the "Bluebell" backline when he played a quick pass to M.Gay, the striker continued his fine goalscoring form with a fine one touch finish.
It looked like game on at this point but the home side showed their willingness to chase every ball when a ball that looked to be running out of play was salvaged and immediately played into the danger area with a simple tap in restoring their two goal lead. A harsh lesson for KSH but a goal of real desire for the home side.
Smith was proving to be a real thorn in the side for the Kennoway defence and he again brought out a save from Paterson with a close range shot.
KSH were dealt another blow when Partridge received a second yellow then a red to leave them with ten players. Surprisingly this seemed to galvanise the team and they decided to throw caution to the wind as they pushed extra bodies into attacking areas. With eight minutes remaining they grabbed another goal. This time it was a corner kick that saw a powerful header saved only for the ball to loop into the air before C.Gay rose to head the ball home almost on the goal line.
Despite their efforts they could not grab an equaliser as the "Bluebell" saw out the remaining minutes to claim the three points. FT 3-2
Team : Paterson Partridge Doig Rolland McGowan Muir Johnstone C.Gay Craig M.Gay Collins Subs: Band Young Shaw Newlands
Next game is away to Lochee Utd 23rd Sept KO 2.30pm
