East Region Junior FA East of Scotland Cup 2nd Round
Saturday 01-Dec-2018 KO 1:30 PM
Kennoway Star Hearts 3 Downfield 1
Looking to get back to winning ways after the disappointment of their defeat to Whitburn the previous week Kennoway welcomed Downfield to Treaton Park in the East of Scotland Cup.
It was evident from the kick off the manner of the defeat against Whitburn had fired up the home side as they started at a furious pace. B.Rolland on the left flank was enjoying a lot of the ball and inside the first minute he drilled in a low cross that caused havoc in the Downfield defence.
Two minutes later it was B.Rolland again that powered down the left before a ball into the middle was met by Doig, the midfielder saw his initial shot blocked but he showed the desire to get to the ball to force it home from six yards.
Doig was the man in the thick of the action, ten minutes in he almost grabbed number two when a cross from Craig was met by a header that crashed back of the post.
A minute later Downfield almost pulled a goal back when a shot from inside the penalty area was turned around the post by Paterson.
The attacks were mounting for KSH and a low cross from B.Rolland saw a scramble inside the six yard box with Band and Bryce looking to capitalise only to be denied when Duell slid in to clear for a corner.
Johnstone swung in an inviting cross in what can only be described as "the corridor of uncertainty" as it eluded a posse of players before being met by R.Muir who finished with a fine left foot volley.
To their credit Downfield came storming back,a few minutes after going two goals behind they saw Blackwood round Paterson and hot the ball towards the unguarded goal,somehow Johnstone managed to get back and slide in to make a remarkable clearance.
Downfield grabbed a lifeline on the 35th minute. A penalty was awarded for a foul by Paterson, Duell stepped up and calmly send the KSH `keeper the wrong way to reduce the deficit.
Bryce had a great chance just before the interval to restore the two goal lead as he raced through on goal he hesitated and his shot missed the target with Kennedy stranded. HT 2-1
The second half started with KSH back on the front foot. R.Muir raced through on goal and the forward decided to play in Band rather than go for goal himself. Band slotted past Kennedy but the referee deemed it was from an offside position.
Kennoway were moving the ball quickly and the pace from middle to front was causing the Downfield defence all sorts of problems. Bryce had a strong run on the right before fizzing the ball across the face of the goal where R.Muir was lurking,as the ball reached the player everyone to a man thought the third goal had been scored but sadly for the player and the home support the ball hit the outside of the target and into the side of the net.
The tempo of the football was good and D.Muir and Doig were bossing the middle of the park. The only worry for the management was the chances to put the tie to bed were being passed by.
Thankfully with twenty minutes remaining Craig ensured a safe passage into the next round of the Cup with a fine solo goal. The wide man picked the ball up wide right before exchanging passes with Band, as Craig drove inside space opened up before unleashing a pile-driver of a shot from his left foot that sailed into the roof of the net with Kennedy well beaten.
Watson then went close with a header from six yards out that brought a stunning save from Kennedy.
At the other end Paterson was called into action with another save after a break down the Downfield right.
With fifteen minutes remaining Duell received a second yellow card then red after a crude foul on the home skipper Doig.
FT 3-1
Team: Paterson Mair Bremner Johnstone Craig Doig R.Muir B.Rolland Band Bryce R.Muir Subs Watson Collins Brewster Swinton L.Rolland
