Shipbuilders looking to scupper rival’s title bid

THE scene is set for a league title showdown tomorrow between Carnoustie and East Craigie.

The odds now favour the Gowfers lifting the title after Craigie were held to a 1-1 draw on Wednesday.

This means any sort of win for Carnoustie in their final match against Forfar WE would see the title head for Laing Park.

But anything could still happen. Should the Gowfers fail to win and Craigie beat North End then the Shipbuilders could be triumphant.

Wednesday’s draw with Tayport was a bit frustrating for the Shipbuilders who fell behind after four minutes thanks to a Jamie Hume goal but they then drew level through Grady McGrath on 23 minutes.

Despite their best efforts they couldn’t force a winner and must now depend on Forfar WE doing them a favour.

Perhaps they had one eye on Saturday but Carnoustie suffered a rare defeat when they lost 2-1 to Kirrie Thistle in the Thorntons Property Cup.

Craig Batchelor gave Kirrie the lead on 27 minutes and Bryan Duell doubled their advantage when he converted a penalty on 65 minutes.

Sam Simpson pulled one back in the final minute but it came too late to save the tie.

Elsewhere, Lochee United are now assured of finishing third after a 2-1 victory over North End.

Kerr Hay gave the Bluebells the lead on 23 minutes and they went two ahead on 37 minutes through George Johnston.

Connor McLeod pulled one back on the stroke of half-time and the second half turned into a bit of a stalemate with no further scoring.

The Bluebells now face Kirrie Thistle at Thomson Park while North End will be out to finally end East Craigie’s title hopes.

East Craigie (blue) beat Culter 4-1 in the Quest Engineering Cup semi-final last weekend. Tomorrow the Shipbuilders will look to beat North End and hope Carnoustie slip up at Forfar West End.