Shipbuilders sailing on at top of the league as Mcgrath strikes twice

It is as you were at the top of the Mcbookie.com Midlands League after wins for both Dundee East Craigie and Carnoustie Panmure, but both sides were made to work for the points.

East Craigie remain three points clear after their 2-0 win over a battling Blairgowrie at Craigie Park. The Shipbuilders took the lead after 63 minutes through top scorer Grady Mcgrath, but it wasn’t until the 87th minute that Mcgrath secured the win.

It was far from a straightforward three points for Carnoustie Panmure at Laing Park over Coupar Angus.

The visitors took the lead on 18 minutes through Michael Cavin.

The Gowfers turned the game on its head with a quick-fire double before half-time from Ryan Roche and Brian Clark.

Coupar Angus were level on 53 minutes through Brian Harris but were reduced to 10 men when Jack Neave was shown a second yellow card. Carnoustie seized the opportunity and Steven Mcphee found the winner on 78 minutes.

Lochee United remain in third after they enjoyed a comfortable 4-0 victory at Glenesk Park against Dundee Violet, goals coming from George Johnston, Calvin Colquhoun, Kevin Buchan and Kerr Hay.

Tayport have been on a great run under Eddie Wolecki-black but that came to an end at home to Broughty Athletic. The Fed followed up their midweek win over Lochee Harp with a fine 2-0 victory at The Canniepairt. Both of Broughty’s counters came from Josh Skelly who hit the 50-goal mark for the season.

Dundee North End were made to work hard by visitors Arbroath Vics with the points not secured until the last minute at North End Park.

Ross Lunan’s men went in front through Frankie Devine but despite being the dominant side in the second half, it wasn’t until the last minute that Greg Fairweather’s goal made sure the points stayed in Dundee.

Kirriemuir Thistle took the bragging rights from their Angus derby at Victoria Park against Brechin Vics.

Stephen Mcnally’s side took the lead after eight minutes through Blaike Kyles and Liam Duell put his side in total control with a second from the spot on 65 minutes. Cammy Fraser did pull a goal back in stoppage time, but it was no more than a consolation.

For the second week running Torran Juggins put Scone Thistle in front at home but just like last week, Saturday’s game against Downfield ended in defeat for Willie Laing’s side.

Juggins scored on five minutes but the visitors were level on 33 minutes through Robert Malone. Scone looked like they would take a rare point, only for Callum Mcleary to strike on 80 and 87 minutes, giving the Spiders the points.

Forfar United took the bragging rights from the local derby against Forfar West End at Guthrie Park that, in truth, was all over by half-time. United took the lead on 18 minutes through Brett Hampton and when Connor Birse scored twice in a minute it was effectively game over. Hampton added his second and United’s fourth goal with 15 minutes to go.

Lochee Harp got off to a good start at home to Letham when Gary Robertson put them in front after 19 minutes. The visitors came back into it and Dale Smart equalised on the half hour with a header at the back post before Lewis Allan put the Perth side in front three minutes before half- time. Harp battled to get back into the game but the points headed to Perth after Alan Cunningham headed Letham’s third goal on 65 minutes.

In the North Region Juniors, Montrose Roselea manager Eric Watson had demanded an improvement from his side against Ellon United at Links Park after their disappointing cup exit at Sunnybank, seven days earlier.

While Roselea were much improved, they surrendered an early lead and had to settle for a point.