Kinnoull hit sweet spot in derby win Bumper crowd sees closely-contested match
KINNOULL .......................................... 1 LUNCARTY .......................................... 0
Kinnoull earned the bragging rights as a bumper crowd turned out to watch the first Perthshire derby of the season on Saturday afternoon.
A closely-contested East of Scotland League battle was expected and that is exactly what all those in attendance at Tulloch Park received.
But the decisive moment arrived not long after the half hour mark and it was a familiar face wheeling away in celebration.
With 32 minutes on the clock, a quick turn and strike from Kinnoull striker and captain Rhys Davies found the back of the net.
Luncarty looked to retaliate as the game reached its latter stages and welcomed trialist Olly Hamilton into the action.
Bleachers boss Robbie Holden also entered in search of a goal but the home rearguard, like all afternoon, held firm.
“It was a great team performance,” said match-winner Davies. “Every man put in a shift to get us the three points
“The whole team battled well and dug deep. It was a solid performance from everyone and deserving of the points.
“It was a good bit of work from us for the goal and then the turn and finish.
“It’s always nice to score but for it to be the winner in a derby match makes it that much sweeter.
“There’s always that bit more edge to a derby game.
“These are the games you play football for and there is nothing better when you come away with the win.”
The victory nudged Kinnoull above Luncarty and into third place in the Conference B standings.
“It’s been a decent start to the season for us,” added Davies. “The league is still wide open at the moment. If we keep putting performances in like Saturday, we’ll definitely be up there pushing for promotion.”
In the Premier Division, Jeanfield
Swifts manager Ross Gunnion hailed the first half tempo and intensity of his side’s play on Saturday.
A strong start in their home fixture against Sauchie proved crucial in a much-needed 2-1 victory.
Aaron Whitehead and Chris McLeish carved out a two-goal halftime lead before Danny Smith pulled one back after the break.
Swifts sit 12th in the table but are only three points off fourth place.
Gunnion said: “We were excellent in the first half and really should have had the game out of sight with the number of clear cut chances we created. The tempo and intensity we played at was fantastic at times.
“In the second half Sauchie changed their formation and went very direct missing out the midfield and playing long, hopeful balls.
“They competed much better and had two or three opportunities through scrambles in the box but nothing particularly clear cut which is a credit to the defence who managed the game well.
“Again, we had three clear opportunities to extend our lead with swift counter attacks but the goalkeeper made some very good saves.
“Over the whole game we were well deserved winners in my opinion.”
Swifts are back in Premier Division action on Wednesday night and welcome thirdplaced Broxburn to the Riverside.
“Hopefully we can continue the winning run and see the first half performance from Saturday replicated for longer,” Gunnion said.
“Midweek against Broxburn will be another stern test as they are a team improving week on week. They’ll be better than Sauchie and in turn we’ll have to aim to improve again.”
Rhys Davies netted the only goal of the game against Luncarty