SIX SHOOTERS
Blair cruise to victory after being given fright
Sports Reporter There was some early Christmas cheer for Blairgowrie Juniors after the club secured a 6-3 win against Lochore Welfare on Saturday.
Despite the relatively conclusive final score, the Davie Park hosts made things hard for themselves by allowing the visitors from Fife to get back into the game after dominating the first 30 minutes.
Gary Axworthy made sure the home side got off to a quick-fire start by rifling a 25-yard drive into the net after just seven minutes.
Chances continued to be created and, after several near misses, Allan Cruickshank fired high into the net from close range to put Blair 2-0 up and in command after just 15 minutes.
Axworthy thumped a free-kick against the Lochore crossbar as Billy Mackay’s men threatened to run riot.
Not for the first time this season, however, Blair failed to demonstrate enough ruthlessness to seal the match and a failure to clear allowed Lochore to score.
Almost immediately afterwards, Axworthy passed the ball into the net following a flowing move to make it 3-1.
Prior to the interval, home keeper Gordon O’Brien denied the Fifers a second goal with a fine save.
After the break, Blair pressed but their play lacked the cutting edge of the early stages.
Then came a poor spell, with possession repeatedly surrendered all too easily, which allowed Lochore to score twice in quick succession to level the match at 3-3.
Despite the setback, the Blair ship was soon steadied and they finished the match strongly.
The final quarter brought some good attacking football and three well-taken goals as Blair ran out comfortable winners in the end.
Darren Neave hammered into the roof of the net with Lochore’s defence cut open, then John Black scored his first goal for the club with a composed finish from 10 yards.
Neave was denied by a brilliant save before Cruickshank ghosted in to head home a Steven Findlay cross in the final minute.
Blairgowrie: O’Brien, Reilly, Nicoll, Simpson, Brash, Axworthy, Brown, Black, Cruickshank, Plenderleith, Neave. Sub used: Findlay.
Blairgowrie’s next match is not until January 7, away to Newburgh in the North Division.
This week’s Blairgowrie Juniors FC berry-pickers’ weighin numbers were 17, 18, 19 and 20.
There was one lucky winner, meaning the jackpot is now £300.
Owing to the festive period, next week’s draw will take place on December 28.
The draw for the first week of the new year will take place on January 4.
Despite the setback, the Blair ship was soon steadied and they finished the match strongly