New boys hit the goal trail to lift Luncarty
Mills nets late penalty to give Bleachers the points
Gary Axworthy netted six for Blairgowrie in their 8-0 win Summer signings Tony Holt and Fraser Mills fired Luncarty to a dramatic derby victory against Kinnoull on Saturday.
And Bleachers boss Jon Kelly hopes it’s a sign of things to come from his new Brownlands Park additions.
The weekend’s Premier League North curtain-raiser proved to be as competitive as expected but the hosts edged the battle 2-1.
Holt, previously of Jeanfield Swifts, had Luncarty ahead in the first half but Greg Whyte equalised with 10 minutes remaining.
It looked to be a share of the spoils but Kelly’s men were awarded a penalty in the final minute which Mills converted.
Kelly said: “It was very pleasing to get the three points on Saturday, especially with six players missing through injuries and holidays.
“I was disappointed with our second half performance and the players know they must perform at a much higher standard than we did.
“But I did say to them at the start of the game that I would take three points in any way under the circumstances – and we achieved this.
“It was great to get our two new signings on the scoresheet and hopefully this will set them up for the season.
“It was very important to get off to a good start on Saturday.
“Now we will get back into training Tuesday and Thursday and prepare well for our next fixture away to Brechin Vics.”
In the other Perthshire derby, Blairgowrie opened the season with an emphatic 8-0 win over local rivals Coupar Angus.
Gary Axworthy notched six of his side’s eight goals, one away from a club record for a single game haul.
Allan Shepherd still tops the charts with the seven he scored against Forfar West End in May 1980.
Prior to kick-off at Davie Park, a minute’s silence was held in memory of a former Blairgowrie goal scoring legend Martin Duffy, who passed away during the summer.
Duffy is fondly remembered by Blair fans who watched their side reach the quarter finals of the Scottish Junior Cup in 1959.
The east Perthshire side took eventual winners Irvine Meadow to a replay back at Davie Park, with Duffy scoring in both games.
On Saturday, Axworthy opened the scoring in the 15th minute and soon completed his hat-trick.
Debuts were handed to Cammy McManus and Drew Madoc-Jones, playing on either side of the midfield and causing problems for their opponents.
Ben Middleton and Sean Kelly made the first appearances of their second spells with the club.
The score was 6-0 at half-time, with Axworthy adding another two to his tally and Middleton scoring with a header.
Paul Scott added a seventh in the second half with a long range effort before Axworthy completed the scoring with his sixth of the afternoon.
Blair boss Mark Brash said: “Saturday was an excellent performance, everyone applied themselves and carried out there jobs. Obviously Gary Axworthy stole the show with six goals and he could have had more.
“But it was also great to see Paul Scott, a young local lad, getting his first for the club.
“And also Ben Middleton scoring on his competitive return to the club. I’m looking forward to next week which will be a stern test.”
Scone Thistle’s campaign is off to a flyer with a 5-0 win over Forfar Albion. Martin Strachan, Aaron Carlon, Sean Whitworth (2) and Willie Laing ensured that three points were banked on opening day.