Broughty Athletic 4 Kenoway Star Hearts 2
Broughty Athletic claimed back to back victories in the Super League this afternoon with a hard-fought 4-2 home win over visitors Kennoway Star Hearts in absolutely atrocious weather conditions at Whitton Park.
Club officials had to call on a local referee to check the condition of Whitton Park due to the persistent rain from early morning, although there was no lying water on the park it was very heavy in places but both the local and match referee declared the park playable and the game went ahead.
Kennoway started brightly as they dominated the proceedings creating several chances on goal. The home `keeper was proving to be in top form as he denied Mutch with a save from close in.
Further efforts from Shaw and Craig also brought the best out of McPherson in goal. Mathew Gay then saw an effort crash off the top of the crossbar and over as KSH upped their efforts as they searched for the lead.
A familiar theme to recent games saw KSH go behind despite their promising start. Liversedge collected the ball wide on the left and managed to evade a tackle before his low shot from an acute angle nestled into the bottom corner of the net.
A further blow for Kennoway saw the lively Mutch limp off injured.
KSH battled hard to get back into the game as tackles flew in all over the park as conditions worsened.
Eight minutes before half time a mistimed challenge saw Broughty awarded a penalty as Winter was adjudged to be fouled. The player picked himself up and took responsibilty as he smashed the ball home from twelve yards. HT 2-0
The second half was only three minutes old when KSH had another great chance to score but the shot went across the six-yard box with no takers , Kennoway pressed high as they looked to get back into the game. Another fine save from McPherson from an edge of the box shot from C.Gay kept the visitors at bay.
They finally got the goal their play deserved when KSH were awarded a penalty of their own on the hour mark. A corner kick was swung into the penalty area when a shot from close range struck the arm of a defender. Mathew Gay stepped up to the spot and struck a firm enough shot to beat McPherson despite the `keeper`s valiant effort. In the midst of the penalty award Milne from Broughty was shown a second yellow then red card after his protests.
So it was game on as Kennoway continued to throw bodies into attack in the search for the equaliser.
With fifteen minutes remaining KSH lost a goal against the run of play when Clark went past a succession of defenders before calmly slotting past Paterson. A tall ask now for the away side as despite having the majority of play and the man advantage they somehow found themselves two goals down with time running out.
One thing you are guaranteed with a KSH side is a willingness to attack and they again showed that when a cross was delivered into the penalty area with the Mathew Gay on hand to lob the ball over McPherson and into the net for a goal of stunning but yet simple quality.
It was all out attack for KSH as they tried to get back on level terms. A corner kick from the left saw Doig presented with a great opportunity but his header was saved again by the impressive McPherson.
To rub salt in the wounds the killer fourth goal for the hosts arrived in the final minute with the conditions providing the chance for Garden as the ball got caught underfoot of a KSH defender with a botched clearance.
Summing up, what a game in shocking conditions weather wise. Howling winds, persistent rainfall and freezing temperatures but both sides cracked on and got on with it. Some rash challenges only due to the slippy surface. KSH will leave thinking they should have gained a point from the match on shots on target alone but for great goalkeeping and defending. Broughty never gave up despite losing a man they dug in for the three points in the end. FT 4-2
Team : Paterson Young Partridge Brewster Band Shaw McGowan C.Gay Craig M.Gay Mutch Subs: Collins Muir Bryce Lindsay Doig
