Danny and Scott are double trouble

CA R NOUSTIE’S hopes of going seven points clear of Lochee United were blown away as a slick performance by the Bluebells inflicted a first defeat of the season on Phil McGuire’s side.

The Bluebells made a positive start and took the lead in 27 minutes when Danny Cavanagh rifled a free-kick into the home net.

The nearest the Gowfers came in the first half was a free-kick from Brian Clark which John Sinclair tipped over the bar.

But Lochee looked the more dangerous and they doubled their lead i n 54 minutes and it was Cavanagh again with a cool finish from a Logan Davie cross.

At this stage the Bluebells were in control but the Laing Park side hit back in 73 minutes when Gordon McDonald steered the ball into the net from a corner. However, home joy only lasted three minutes with Scott McComiskie restoring Lochee’s twogoal lead with a powerful header.

The Gowfers refused to lie down and Bruce Hearn reduced the leeway with a close-range effort on 85 minutes. But their hopes of salvaging a point were dashed when McComiskie rounded the keeper for the Bluebells’ fourth two minutes later.

Lochee now know who their opponents will be in the second preliminary round of the William Hill Scottish Cup after Lothian Thistle beat Wigtown 5-0. The sides will meet at Thomson Park on August 31.

Meanwhile, North End squandered a chance to move up the table when they lost 2-1 at home to Scone Thistle.

The Dokens will be kicking themselves they took nothing from the game after creating the better chances.

The hosts went close when an Owen McCabe shot came back off the post.

But it was the visitors who broke the deadlock on the hour mark when Aaran McKay rose above the home defence to nod home from a corner.

The hosts equalise in 66 minutes when Gary Sutherland slotted home.

It looked odds on a home victory when Scone scorer McKay was sent off with 10 minutes to go and the Dokens’ luck was out when a Paul Lunan free-kick hit a post.

But they were left shattered when Scone broke up the field with five minutes to go and Ross Mitchell set up Aiden Benvie for Scone’s winner.

Luncarty maintained their fine start to the season with a 5-2 win at Forfar West End.

The Bleachers’ scorers were Chris Anton (pen), Stuart Nicol, Fraser Mills, Calum Kirkcaldy and Kieran Donald.

Graeme Hart and Jamie Montgomery netted for West End.

Scott McComiskie powers home his header for Lochee United’s third goal against Carnoustie at Laing Park.