Hearts lack clinical edge
Published 18 Jan 2012 08:00
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Lochore Welfare on the attack against Steelend.
THE weekend's junior card saw a second successive East Super League defeat for Kelty Hearts, while the big Central League derby was won well by Dundonald Bluebell.
In the East of Scotland Cup Hill of Beath Hawthorn were comfortable winners at Keir's Park over Dundee North End.
Bathgate Thistle 1, Kelty Hearts 0.
AFTER their defeat at Bonnyrigg last week, Kelty were looking to get another unbeaten run off to a flying start but they squandered too many chances in this East Super League fixture.
Bathgate were a fairly ordinary side but they defended in depth and Hearts just could not get the breakthrough.
In ten minutes Conrad Courts threatened for Kelty with a fine shot which produced a good save out of the Thistle 'keeper and then Bryan Duell headed wide from a good position.
Bathgate threatened with a shot which whistled just over and then, with ten minutes to the break, took the lead with a low shot which crept past Allan Fleming.
The second-half saw Hearts dominated possession and had some outstanding chances.
Three times Kelty attackers had one-on-one chances with the 'keeper but they failed to score.
Robbie Henderson twice was through but failed to score as did Nelly McCabe and there were other half chances which could have brought the goal the visitors so badly needed.
Hearts boss, Keith Burgess, was very disappointed at time-up. He said,. "On play we were by far the better side but Bathgate got a goal and we just could not hit the net despite having some really good chances.
"We will have to be more clinical if we are to get back on the unbeaten trail but we will be looking to make the fifth round of Scottish Junior Cup by beating Whitburn this Saturday."
Hill of Beath Hawthorn 5, Dundee N. E. 1.
HAWS were much too strong for the Taysiders at Keir's Park in the East of Scotland Cup.
Four goals in a 10 minute first-half spell proved totally decisive for the Villagers.
Haws opened the scoring in 22 minutes with a well placed Bathgate shot and two minutes later the striker's cross was headed home by Craig Smart.
In 28 minutes Bathgate ended a good run with a strong cross which cannoned off a defender into the North End net.
When Cameron Adamson saw his 20 yarder hit the onion bag on the half hour the game was all but over.
The Dundee side played a lot better in the second-half but seldom bothered the Haws defence and in 70 minutes Bathgate scored number five.
To their credit North End never gave up and were rewarded with a consolation goal late on.
Haws manager Jock Finlayson was pleased with the performance, "We played some really good stuff at times and were well worth the five goals."
Ballingry Rovers 2, Dundee Downfield 0.
AFTER their horror show at Broxburn, Ballingry Rovers bounced back well to take all three East Premier League points from Downfield at Ore Park.
Conceding seven goals the previous week was hard to take for the Ballingry players but they came bouncing back with new loan signing from Cowdenbeath, Daniel Hall, a key figure.
His presence gave Rovers the edge in midfield and they had chances in the first-half to take the lead.
James Adam twice went very close but at the interval Downfield were still holding on at 0-0.
In the second period Ballingry upped the pace and grabbed the lead when Adam was hauled down in the box and Scott Lawrie blasted home the spot-kick.
Rovers needed a second to be safe and it came when Hall's shot bounced awkwardly off the 'keeper and Lawrie was on hand to shoot into the net.
It was a much happer Rovers boss, Gary Patterson, who said, "The lads really worked hard to get over that nightmare at Broxburn last week and we created a lot of good chances.
"Hall was a very steadying influence and will be a good acquisition for us."
Lochgelly Albert 0, Dundonald Bluebell 4.
THE final scoreline was a little unkind on the Albert who had goalkeeper Colin Rushford sent off on the stroke of half-time but created chances throughout this Central League derby clash.
The game got off to a hectic start and Albert threatened in nine minutes when Martin Payne set up Willie Telford who shot wide.
Telford then hit the post in 24 minutes but Bluebell grabbed the lead shortly after when a free-kick was headed home by on-loan defender from Cowdenbeath, Dene Droudge.
Lochgelly gave their fans in the healthy Gardiner's Park crowd hope with an Andy Barratt free-kick which was well saved.
Then on the interval whistle Rushford tried to defy Dundonald dangerman Derek Wallace and upended the front man.
After Rushford was dismissed Shaun O'Neill converted from the spot to give Bluebell a two goal interval advantage. Lochgelly kept trying to get back into the game despite their shortage of manpower and Stevie Brown went close before sub 'keeper Stevie Clark parried a Jay Stein lob and O'Neill scored number three from close in.
Telford and Darren Seath had decent efforts for Lochgelly but with six minutes to go Droudge headed in a corner to complete a good day for Bluebell who went top of the table.
Lochore Welfare 1, Steelend Victoria 0.
WELFARE had to win this Central League fixture to keep their chances alive of a top half of the table finish.
Steelend tried hard to keep tabs on the quick moving Lochore front men but there was nothing they could do to stop Paul Duncan rounding the 'keeper to give the home team the lead.
The Duncan twins were a constant threat for Welfare and Paul went close again before Craig missed a good opening.
John Ferguson then hit the woodwork and at the interval the single goal separated the sides.
There was a shock for Lochore at the start of the second period when Scott Logan was ordered off for violent conduct but the hosts remained in charge and Calum Young and Ferguson both had chances to increase the lead.
Steelend kept working away but did not pose Lochore many problems although the home side continued to miss decent openings.
SATURDAY'S fixtures: Scottish Emirates Junior Cup fourth round, Kelty Hearts v Whitburn (1.45).
East Super League, Hill of Beath Hawthorn v Camelon (1.45). East Premier League, Ballingry Rovers v Tayport (1.45).
Central League, Lochore Welfare v Dundondald Bluebell, Steelend v Lochgelly Albert, Newburgh v Crossgates Primrose (1.45).
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