Blair share spoils in exciting Kirrie clash

The game of the day in the North League was at Westview where promotion hopefuls Blairgowrie and Kirrie Thistle shared four goals in what was a proverbial game of two halves.

The Berrypickers were the better side in the first half and went two up thanks to goals from Allan Cruickshank and Paul Maloney. But Thistle took control in the second half with Jon Farquharson pulling one back and Bryan Duell netting a deserved equaliser 10 minutes from time.

That leaves Thornton Hibs and Kinnoull as the only sides with a 100% record

Hibs had to work hard for their 2-0 success at Dundee North End to head the table on goal difference.

Garry Thomson capitalised on slack defensive play to drill home from 15 yards after 40 minutes.

Although North End had plenty of possession they couldn’t muster a goal, though only a brave save from Dean Gear prevented Ross Sievwright equalising before a late Raymond Crichton counter from 22 yards sealed the Fifers’ victory.

Kinnoull went nap without reply against bottom club Lochore Welfare, who have now leaked 22 goals in their three outings. Rhys Davies was the main man with four goals, including two penalties, and that was after Gordon Norrie had opened the scoring.

Luncarty’s visit to Arbroath Vics ended in stalemate despite the hosts trailing and going down to 10 men.

Richie Montgomery gave the Bleachers the lead after 26 minutes and when Vics had Cory McCulloch sent off for a second booking, the home side’s prospects appeared bleak.

But Marc Walker salvaged a point when he headed home three minutes from time.

Newburgh and Forfar Albion drew in an exciting encounter at East Shore Park.

Burgh deservedly took the lead when Brad Ronan netted at the back post. Albion’s Matt Dorward equalised in first-half stoppage time and two minutes after the restart Matt Muir put them ahead.

With 15 minutes left, Fairweather fired the home side level, but Forfar regained the lead thanks to Connor Yates. Keiller had the last word by scoring the home side’s late equaliser.

The points were also shared at Foxhall Park where Coupar Angus were held by Brechin Vics.

Both goals came in the first half, Joe Grimes was on target for the hosts after 21 minutes with Jordan Rausch levelling 14 minutes later.

South League

A battling performance earned Kirkcaldy YM their first point of the campaign from the visit of Lochgelly Albert.

The Denfield side took the lead after 17 minutes when David Byrne drilled a low shot into the bottom corner.

In the second half, however, Lochgelly were well on top but had to rely on Martin Rennie’s well-struck free-kick to deny his former side victory.

There was also a stalemate in another all-Fife affair at Oakley where United and Crossgates Primrose shared six goals.

Stephen Stark and Stuart Donaldson, making his debut after joining them from Edinburgh City, had the visitors two ahead after 55 minutes.

Graham Moore headed Oakley back in contention and Conor Drury equalised with an angled effort from the corner of the box after 70 minutes.

The points seemed set to remain at Blairwood Park after Lee Centano converted a Yanni cross until Donaldson’s second goal levelled matters in the last minute.

Rosyth lost out at Paties Road to Edinburgh United despite holding a two-goal advantage.

Shaun Martin’s strike with seven minutes left followed the Recs being denied what looked a stonewall penalty for handball at the other end.

Ciaran Chalmers had earlier headed the Fifers in front after 22 minutes with Mike McMillan adding the second five minutes later, but strikes from Martin and Ryan Sclater drew United level before Martin’s winner.

North End’s Brad Heggie clears from Thornton Hibs’ Raymond Crichton.