The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Martin’s winner edges Gowfers past Tayport
JUNIORS: Carnoustie worthy victors over 10-man hosts
Carnoustie continued their unbeaten run with a 1-0 North Super League win at the Canniepairt and, although seemingly narrow, the Gowfers were well worth the three points.
Few chances were created in an even opening period, but the Gowfers upped the ante in the second half and eventually got the better of the Fifers.
They had to wait until 16 minutes from time for the breakthrough when Pat Martin headed home at the far post.
Any home hopes of salvaging anything late-on went by the board when Ryan Suttie picked up a second yellow card and was ordered off.
Honours were even at Farquharson Park where Scone Thistle came from behind against Downfield to earn a point.
Kerr Hay gave the Spiders the lead on the stroke of half-time, but Craig Mitchell converted a penalty for Thistle’s leveller on 66 minutes.
In his first game in charge, Luncarty boss Robbie Holden masterminded a 3-1 home win over Kirrie Thistle.
Trailing to a Dale Reid strike for Thistle, Holden made a triple substitution just before the mid-point of the second half.
And within a couple of minutes, one of them, Richard Doig, squared matters.
Just five minutes later they had a twogoal cushion with Chris Anton scoring from the spot and skipper Stuart Nicol also netting.
Broughty Athletic completed a hattrick of wins over North End in the league with a 3-0 success.
A Jamie Reid strike just before the break gave the Fed an interval advantage and Brad Smith’s second half double sealed a comfortable win for the visitors.
Lochee United stayed in touch with the leaders after a 3-0 win over bottom of the table Forfar West End, although the outcome wasn’t quite as clear-cut as the score suggests.
Despite falling behind after 10 minutes to a Danny Millar header, West End battled hard and the Bluebells had to wait until 15 minutes from the end before doubling their lead though Danny Cavanagh. Then, with a minute left, Bryan Deasley was brought down in the box and Scott McComiskie converted the penalty.
Not much action to report from the Super League South.
With both Lochore Welfare and Kennoway Star Hearts’ matches, at Bathgate Thistle and Harthill Royal respectively, falling to the weather, the only game to involve a Courier Country side was at Thornton Hibs.
And they contrived to produce a lifeless goalless draw with Livingston.
It was Hibs’ first home game since October and the only plus factor was that for once Memorial Park was playable on a wet weekend in which other matches didn’t survive.
In the North Premier League Arbroath Vics were edged out at home by leaders East Craigie. James Malone scored the only goal of the game.
Meanwhile, second-placed Blairgowrie maintained their challenge, easing their way to a 5-1 win over Violet at Glenesk.
Goals from Cammy McManus and Darren Neave gave the visitors a twogoal interval advantage.
Sean Tucker pulled one back five minutes into the second half before Matty Adams added Blair’s third, with further goals from McManus and Gary Axworthy completing the scoring.
Coupar Angus gained quick-fire revenge following last week’s defeat to Brechin Vics with a 4-3 win at Foxhall Park.
Tai McClusky put them ahead after 10 minutes and an Allan Cruickshank header made it two. Colin Lawson pulled one back on the stroke of half-time.
However, shortly after the restart Cruickshank scored again. Lawson again reduced the leeway, only for Stefan Brown to strike the home side’s fourth before Ewan Duff scored a third for Vics.
Lochee Harp notched their first three points of the year by beating bottom club Forfar Albion 3-1.
Harp have made striker Aaron Conway available for transfer and all inquiries should be made to Mark Duffy on 07454 020098.
In the Premier League South, Rosyth’s 2-1 win at Syngenta extended their lead over second-placed Stoneyburn – whose game was off – to seven points, though they have played four more games.
Tam Hampson and Greg Page were on target for the Recs.
Kirkcaldy & Dysart stay fourth after being held to a 1-1 draw at home by Linlithgow Rose CFC.
But, given the Denfield side were reduced to 10 men midway through the second half with Scott Warrender’s dismissal, the hosts, for whom Nathan Feeley was on target, weren’t too disappointed with a point.
Lochgelly Albert had the better of the chances away to Sauchie but couldn’t find the net and it finished goalless.