Inspired second half pays off for Kinnoull
Kinnoull produced an inspired second half display to fight back and defeat Edinburgh South on Saturday.
Alan Cameron’s side were two down at the break but showed great character to secure an important East of Scotland League Conference B victory.
Striker Rhys Davies just can’t stop scoring goals and he netted all three for Kinnoull, the first an impressive solo effort on 47 minutes.
The leveller was found just a few minutes later before the winner arrived in the closing stages of the game.
Kinnoull sit fifth in the table, just two points off the top and that ensured manager Cameron was a happy man.
Cameron told the Perthshire Advertiser: “The first half was very poor from our perspective and uncharacteristically we gifted the opposition chances.
“We found ourselves two down at the break having passed up on several good chances of our own.
“The boys knew at half- time they hadn’t played to the standard they can.
“We pointed that out and looked for more from every player.
“To a man they delivered in the second half with a performance that simply over-ran Edinburgh South.
“Hat-trick hero Rhys Davies will take all the plaudits for the goals but the skipper was the first to admit it’s his job to finish the chances that come his way.
“He wouldn’t get them without his team-mates. But the first goal to drag us back right after half-time was a piece of individual brilliance as he beat six men on a mazy run, drew the keeper and calmly slotted it home.”
Luncarty were also Conference B winners at the weekend and defeated the students of Stirling University 3-0 at Brownlands Park.
Kieran Donald, Scott Sutherland and Dale Smart netted the goals for the Bleachers.
“We made a decent start to the game and got the two goals in front in the first half,” said manager Robbie Holden.
“We knew we have been guilty of not killing games recently so spoke about the importance of the third goal. When it came, it finished the game off.”
Holden was pleased to see his players in the forward department get on the scoresheet, saying: “It was a boost for Scott and Dale to score.
“Dale hit a cracking free kick. I’ve been waiting on a free kick going in this season.
“It’s always a case of getting momentum and putting runs of goals together for the strikers. Kieran scoring on his return from injury was good news also.”
Luncarty sit seventh in the Conference B but are only three points behind leaders Oakley United.
“At the minute there isn’t much separating the top half,” Holden said.
“All of those teams are capable of beating each other and I think it’s down to small margins this year. There isn’t much room for mistakes given the form of all the top half.”
On the Junior football front, all of Perthshire’s teams in Scottish Junior
Cup second round action at the weekend exited the competition.
Letham agonisingly lost out on penalties to Muirkirk at Seven Acres while, at Davie Park, Blairgowrie went down 7-1 against Benburb.
Scone Thistle travelled west to face Glasgow Perthshire and put in a spirited display but lost 4-1.
Coupar Angus, the only Perthshire team on Midlands League duty, were defeated 2- 0 by Dundee Violet at Glenesk Park.