Kennoway Star Hearts 1 Penicuik Athletic 2
Penicuik was the final home fixture for the 2017-18 season for KSH, six home games on the bounce in the space of three short weeks had left the home side resources stretched to the limit.
Despite the hectic schedule the game settled down to two teams who like to play a passing game. So many games have saw teams about a physicality and a long ball approach,thankfully the sizeable support in attendance saw some good football on display.
There were a lot of tactical battles developing on the pitch throughout the first half. Craig for the home side was the one player who looked like he was winning his individual tussle as time and time again the winger was causing havoc on the right flank.
With one lung bursting run Craig somehow managed to evade four players before slipping a pass to M.Gay, the striker unfortunately could not get his effort away.
Up the other end of the park Kateleza blazed a shot high over Paterson`s goal.
It was very much defences on top as the half progressed.
Shaw then had an opportunity to release M.Gay but his pass was delayed and the chance went a begging.HT 0-0
Two minutes into the second half saw a slack start from the home side. A lack of concentration saw a slip up when a ball on the left was not cleared properly,Ponton slipped the ball to Kateleza who cut the ball back to the middle of the box from where Sampson slotted home.
KSH struck back and fine interplay between Muir and Band saw the latter advance into the penalty area, the angle was tight and the Allison dived bravely at the feet of the Kennoway player saving bravely.
A further blow for the home side saw a penalty kick conceded. An award the linesmen felt the need to flag and Kateleza made no mistake blasting the ball high into the roof of the net for a two goal lead.
Despite the deficit KSH were not one for going down without a fight. CGay unleashed a first time volley when he met a corner kick from twenty yards out,the effort had Allison scrambling as the ball narrowly missed the target.
The away side were content to sit on their lead as they defended in numbers.
The introduction of Bryce and Lindsay added fresh impetus to the KSH attack. Suddenly the away defenders were rattled as Bryce in particular started to get beyond the back line.
A lifeline with five minutes remaining saw KSH awarded a penalty of their own. CGay turned inside the box and a clumsy challenge on the midfielder saw the ref point to the spot. Band stepped up and sent Allison the wrong way to reduce the deficit to one goal.
A fantastic run and cross from Bryce just evaded Lindsay as panic stations set in the away defence.
One last attack from Craig saw the winger`s cross blocked as the referee blew for full time FT 1-2
TEAM: Paterson Rolland Doig Brewster Band Craig C.Gay Johnstone Muir Shaw M.Gay Subs: Bryce Lindsay Collins Young Bremner
Thanks to Penicuik for the highlights.