’HILL CLIMB THE LEAGUE TABLE
Bellshill made it two wins in three starts to claim jointsecond place in the Central Second Division as they delivered a morale-shattering blow to Lanark United.
United had taken four points from their two opening games under stand-in manager Paul Burns, but on his dug-out debut after Friday’s appointment as boss, Lanark lost 2-0 and slipped down to the bottom half of the table.
Burns, whose selection was hampered by the absence of regulars Shaun Gallagher, Martin Hannaway and Danny Mchugh, said: “Four weeks ago when John Brogan left I had no intentions of being a manager, but heading up training with the boys has been excellent, so they made it easy for me. They made the decision for me.
“At 34 I wasn’t thinking about hanging up my boots, but I’m quite happy to be looking after a team like Lanark.
“With limited finances we’ll give the players a chance. We’ll work on set-pieces and team shapes at training when I outline to them how I want them to play. All these small things can mount up to a big package.”
Bellshill started sharply and after John Reynolds had hit the post, Scot Symon netted in 13 minutes.
Peter O’donnell, Reynolds and Lee Nicol all went close before Richard Kane hit a powerful shot into the net in 31 minutes.
Bellshill boss Robert Sneddon said: “It was a very good three points. The boys did well after last week’s disappointing result.
“We changed the shape a wee bit, became more compact in midfield where new signing Dom Febers from St Roch’s did really well – but everybody played their part, we got three points and a clean sheet.”