Carradale crash out of shield semi-final

A FIRST-HALF equaliser from Kenny Kerr kept ’Dale’s hopes, alight at 2-2, but in the final five minutes Newshot headed for the shield final.

Home team Newshot had a chance in the ninth minute but the ball slid wide. About 15 minutes later their 6’4” centre-half headed a corner from the right into the top of the net.

Within 90 seconds Newshot were 2-0 up. ’Dale looked for an offside against the number seven but it did not come and he slid the ball past Neil McMillan.

Within a minute, the Kintyre side pulled one back. Kenny Kerr hit a belter at the goalie, who saved only to have the on-rushing Gregor Croll knock it in from eight yards.

This was the boost the Andrew Smith and Son-sponsored side needed. They constantly attacked until a David Johnstone (DJ) and Stuart MacPhail one-two in the 38th minute started a move which resulted in a perfect chip over the keeper’s head from Kerr, 20 yards out.

The game was on, especially as, moments from the break, McMillan made a magnificent save.

’Dale’s best chance came from Daniel Docherty setting up DJ but his shot from 20 yards was saved.

In the 85th minute, a back-header from Newshot’s centre-half fell to the number 10 who swivelled a shot into the net through a ruck of defenders.

Within minutes the number nine finished what had proved to be a very sporting game with no bookings.

Man of the match was Docherty.

It was Carradale’s fifth defeat against Newshot this season and there is another chance for revenge in the league cup on April 22.

This weekend ’Dale may play a friendly at home if suitable opposition can be found.