Scone pay penalty against Downfield
Scone Thistle were made to pay the penalty for a late spot-kick miss as Downfield left Farquharson Park with three points on Wednesday night.
The Dundee visitors arrived determined to pick up their first victory of the Super League season and went ahead as half-time approached when Lyall Murdoch took advantage of a defensive error to finish.
But the Jags were handed a lifeline in the 86th minute, only for Ross Mitchell to blaze his attempt from 12 yards high and wide of the target.
Scone boss Derek Lawson was proud of his players’ efforts, especially in the second half, but was gutted not to take anything from the game.
“We’re disappointed to lose the game,” he told the PA. “In the first half I thought we were passive and weren’t anticipating the ball enough.
“I thought the second half performance at least merited a draw from the game.
“It’s hard to get everyone here from work for these midweek games. Some didn’t get to the match until 15 minutes before kick-off.
“It’s then a mistake for the goal which has killed us. But I’m proud of the boys for the shift they put in.
“Ross scored a penalty on Saturday so why not take it again? He’s confident enough to take it and I’m never critical of players who step up to take penalties.”
Scone did have chances in this one and, in the first half, Arran McKay went close on more than one occasion after deliveries into the box.
And Lee Maloney also watched a long-range hit cannon off the top of the crossbar. Despite the disappointment, it’s now on to Dundee North End this weekend.
“We’ve definitely got results in us but we just need to believe a wee bit more,” Lawson said. “We’ve stepped up a level so there is better quality, but we’ll be alright.
“It’s another tough game this weekend and Dundee North End are a very good footballing side. We’ll need to see how the bodies are for Saturday.
“I might need to freshen it up again but we’re looking forward to going there because we always give them a close game.”
Luncarty’s second half blitz, meanwhile, secured them maximum points and a 5-0 win against Kirriemuir Thistle at Brownlands Park.
There was no score in the first half but, after the break, Fraser Mills scored twice while Callum Kirkaldy, Kieran Donald and Chris Anton also netted.
“It was a tough test against a team who have had a great start to the season,” said Luncarty assistant Lee Maloney looks to create for Scone on Wednesday
manager Danny Murray.
“The first half was scrappy with Kirrie playing very direct. At half-time we knew we hadn’t got out of second gear and just needed to add quality.
“The quality came in a 15 minute spell where we blew Kirrie away in the final third. Defensively we were solid and limited them to few chances.”
Luncarty hit the road to take on Forfar West End on Saturday and Murray added: “They have had a mixed start but will always be tough at home. We’ll need to be at our best.”
In the North Premier League on Wednesday, Blairgowrie travelled to Brechin Vics and ran out 4-2 winners. Cammy McManus, whose early season form has been promising, scored all four for Mark Brash’s side.
Coupar Angus welcomed Arbroath Vics to Foxhall Park and lost out 2-1. Lewis Gemine had levelled from the spot in the first half but the visitors struck the winner shortly after the interval.
Fixtures for Saturday: North Super League - Dundee North End v Scone Thistle, Forfar West End v Luncarty. North Premier League - Blairgowrie v Forfar Albion, East Craigie v Coupar Angus. Jags Ross Mitchell missed a late penalty for the