Shareof spoils for Blair FC

With Davie Park in immaculate condition, testament to Blairgowrie’s groundsmen, the scene was set for an entertaining match.

However, Saturday’s 1-1 tie against Newburgh turned out to be a scrappy affair with only fleeting glimpses of good football.

For the fifth time this season, Blairgowrie conceded a goal in the opening five minutes.

The visiting side’s successful counter attack came after just 90 seconds, courtesy of some indecision in the home defence.

Gary Axworthy replied with a vicious dipping free-kick which grazed the crossbar and, although Mark Brash’s men had all the play, clear chances were scarce.

A gift from the Newburgh defence allowed Matty Adam to run through to equalise with a low shot after 20 minutes.

Blair dominated until the closing minutes of the first half when Newburgh suddenly got back into the match. They missed two golden chances to take the lead, opportunities created all too easily.

The best chances fell to the visitors as Blair went to a threeman defence in a bid to snatch victory. Twice the home defence made heroic goal line saves and in stoppage time Gordon O’Brien made a fine low save to rescue his side.

This Saturday, Blairgowrie face Kirrie Thistle in a GA Engineering Cup tie which kicks-off at 2pm.

A repeat of the form which saw Blair knock out Premier League Downfield in the previous round will be required.

Meanwhile, this week’s Blairgowrie JFC berry-pickers’ weigh-in numbers were 7, 9, 13 and 15. There were no winners and next week’s jackpot will be £1250.

Elsewhere on the junior football scene, Coupar Angus were out of action due to Dundee Violet’s Scottish Junior Cup replay.

Logan McConnachie’s men host Dunbar United in the DJ Laing East of Scotland Cup on Saturday.

It’s a 2pm kick-off at Foxhall Park.