Lochee Utd 2 Kennoway Star Hearts 1
Kennoway made the short journey over the Tay Bridge to take on league favourites Lochee Utd.
A Lochee team that had ex Scotland and Dundee Utd player Garry Kenneth at the heart of the home defence.
A fairly evenly matched opening to the contest saw the two sides battle to gain territorial advantage.
Gradually it was KSH that looked the more likely to open the scoring. Deploying a 3-5-2 system the Fife side began to pose a threat to the experienced Taysiders.
Craig linked up with Grierson on the right only to see his shot charged down by the imposing Kenneth.
At the other end Lochee almost capitalised with a quick passing move that ended with an effort sailing over Swinton`s crossbar.
The opening goal arrived on the 15th minute and it was KSH who scored it through striker Bryce. A fast counter involving Collins,Young and Band saw the ball arrive some twenty yards out at the feet of Bryce. The striker caught out Ewing when his snapshot crept inside of the post with the `keeper flat footed.
Another tousy period of play followed as the midfield battle intensified.
KSH looking to extend their lead saw Liam Craig hit another powerful shot from the edge of the area that once again was blocked by a resolute Lochee back-line.
The block was a huge moment in the game as two minutes later the host`s levelled. A ball played down the Kennoway left took out two players leaving Lawson an opportunity to slide the ball past Swinton from eight yards.
The away side almost regained their lead when in form Liam Craig hit a shot from distance that brought out the best of the Lochee `keeper Ewing when he dived high to his right clawing the ball away for a corner.
Buoyed by the goal Lochee upped the pressure and they were denied a second goal when Swinton equalled Ewing`s save minutes earlier with an instinctive block from a point blank header. HT 1-1
The second half was minutes old when Young cut inside from the left to fire in another shot that had Ewing sprawling low to his left as the ball went out for a corner. From the resultant corner kick Brewster saw a header cleared as KSH almost had the perfect start to the second period.
The next twenty minutes had very little in goalmouth action from either side.
Despite Lochee`s domination in the possession stakes they were facing a well drilled KSH defence who were not wanting to give an inch. Marshalled by veteran Bremner Kennoway were throwing everything into protecting their goal.
A cross from the left looked to be heading straight to the head of the Lochee striker but for a timely intervention from Bremner.
Dogged and determined in tackle KSH were proving a tough nut to crack. Frustration was building for the home side despite their ball retention chances were limited.
Swinton showed his agility when he produced another fantastic save from a header on goals with a finger tipped effort when a goal looked certain.
A corner kick from the left with fifteen minutes remaining finally saw Lochee take the lead for the first time. Swinton this time had no chance as centre back Millar powered home a header from a few yards out.
The players looked dejected after working so hard in protecting their goal. With a few minutes remaining Grierson saw a second yellow then subsequent red reducing KSH to ten men. FT 2-1
TEAM: Swinton Young Bremner Rolland Brewster Grierson Craig Collins Johnstone Band Bryce Subs: Paterson R.Muir Doig Lindsay
