Blantyre forced to settle for fifth spot
Bellshill relegated despite finale win over Vics
Blantyre ............. 0 Bellshill ............. 2 Blantyre Vics had mixed fortunes against Ayrshire sides before wrapping up their Super First Division campaign with a county derby clash against Bellshill on Monday.
They began their run-in of three games in five days on Wednesday with a 2-1 defeat by Cumnock, who are now bossed by former Wishaw player and boss John Mckeown.
Trialist William Mckellar scored from a Craig Smith pass, but then Vics looked like they took their foot off the pedal and stopped playing, with their only chance to level coming through Mark Thomson who headed wide from two yards.
On Saturday, again at Castle Park, they beat Maybole 2-1, with Andy Sinclair and Scott Davidson scoring their goals. But on Monday they wrapped up with a 2-0 defeat against Bellshill, which could be their last derby duel for a while, as Bellshill are now relegated to the Central First Division.
Vics started fairly well, with Lee Mcshane heading a Mark Thomson cross over, Chris Craig shooting wide and Darren Mclean had a good shot well saved on the line.
Manager Murdo Mackinnon said: “Cumnock are a good side, sitting third top in the league, but we gifted them two goals, both from set-plays. It was most annoying that we didn’t learn from the first when we conceded the second.
“Against Maybole it was a very uncomfortable first half when we squandered lots of chances. There was very little aggression in the side and not enough hard work – almost like a pre-season friendly.
“I don’t think we deserved to win, but I’m glad that we did. I think a draw would have been a fair result.”
Bellshill’s win came courtesy of two goals by Chris Paton inside a two-minute spell.
His first in 28 minutes came from a follow-up to a Barry Mcgowan drive that Lee Thomson parried, his second from a solo breakaway, cashing in on poor defensive cover by the hosts.
Mackinnon said: “We started quite well, had a couple of good opportunities, then we became a bit lax. I was disappointed with our work-rate, our endeavour and our lack of competitiveness.”
While the Vics rounded off a fairly useful season by finishing fifth in the Super First Division, they are now looking to strengthen their behind-the-scenes team to boost the club’s status and general wellbeing.
Anybody who wants to become involved as a volunteer or committee member should contact Andy Mcdade on 07930 127702.