Forfar West End 0 Kennoway Star Hearts 2
Kennoway travelled to Forfar knowing a loss would leave them stranded at the foot of the table but a win would see them climb at least one place with F.W.E. taking their place at the bottom.
It was evident to all watching that this was a nervy affair due to the current situation both teams found themselves in. Mis-placed passes, rushed clearances and players knowing a mistake might be the difference for either side in the hunt for three much needed points.
The first effort of any note came in the six minute when a C.Gay free kick from twenty yards was tipped around the post for a corner by the home `keeper.
A cross into the KSH penalty area saw a good old fashioned "stramash" as several players threw themselves in front of the ball as Petrie looked likely to open the scoring. Almost straight away a quick counter saw KSH race up the other end and a low driven ball across the face of the goal saw no takers.
The half was fairly even with the majority of the play in the middle of the park. Battles contested with the players competing in a hard but fair manner.
The closing stages of the first half opened up with both sides having their best chances to open the scoring.
A clever run by Shaw wide on the right saw his cross almost catch out home `keeper Burns as he clawed the ball from under the crossbar and over. A minute later a typical late run from Muir into the penalty area allowed the KSH midfielder a shot on goal. Burns stood up to the task and saved well diving low to his right.
On the stroke of half time McKenzie passed up a great chance to score when his shot was blocked with Paterson beaten HT 0-0
The Kennoway team were back out early for the start of the second half as they waited for their hosts to appear. It was clear they were out to prove a point at the start of the half as they looked sharper and more confident on the ball almost straight away.
C.Gay missed a gilt edged chance when his header from six yards inside the opening minutes of the half flew over the crossbar. Twelve minutes into the half the midfielder made amends for his earlier miss. Shaw picked the ball up wide right and glided past a few players before his effort was blocked, the ball fell kindly to C.Gay as he carefully measured his shot into the far corner of the net from eighteen yards.
It was a goal that was celebrated with relief more than anything. With the confidence up KSH grabbed a second goal thee minutes later. Muir won a tackle in the middle of the park and the ball found it`s way to Band. The forward picked out C.Gay with a pinpoint cross who then cushioned a header into the path of Shaw lurking on the edge of the eighteen yard box. The winger hit an unstoppable half volley that soared into the roof of the net. A fantastic team goal and one that would leave all watching a lasting memory in what was such a tense match.
With thirty minutes remaining and a two goal cushion to defend the onus was on the home side to try and force themselves back into the game. The KSH back four of Doig, Brewster,Rolland and Young were determined to claim a clean sheet with Paterson very vocal in protecting his goal.
The chances were limited and with ten minutes remaining a remarkable goal saving clearance from Doig left player manager McKenzie holding his head in his hands when his shot was somehow knocked over the crossbar from on the goal line. It was the last clear cut chance of a tense match. Full time whistle was blown and three points for the first time of the season went to KSH. FT 0-2
Team: Paterson Young Doig Rolland Brewster Muir C.Gay Johnstone M.Gay Shaw Band Subs : Collins Newlands Trialist
