The Burnie crash as Star shine in second 45
Hostscollapseafterbreak,losingthreegoalsandtwomen
BLACKBURN UTD .................... 2 NEWTONGRANGE STAR ......... 4
Callum Carson
A second-half collapse saw Blackburn United concede three and reduced to nine men as they let a two-goal lead slip in a home defeat at home to Newtongrange Star.
The afternoon had gotten off to the perfect start for United as they were awarded a penalty after just 17 seconds when Calum Heath was clipped inside the box.
Skipper Michael Browne made no mistake as he sent Star goalkeeper Sean Brennan the wrong way for a first-minute opener.
Winger Heath would go close on 15 minutes after being teed up by Danny Campbell, but his curling strike went over the bar.
At the other end, Newtongrange’s Ryan Porteous saw his effort parried wide by United keeper Gavin King at his near post.
The hosts controlled the play for the opening half hour and were rewarded by extending their lead when Heath wonderfully caressed the ball into the bottom corner after latching onto a Browne flick-on from a throw-in.
Unfortunately, things started to unravel for the hosts from there.
Liall Smith slammed the ball home from close range seven minutes before the break to completely change the feel of the contest as the half-time whistle beckoned.
And after the restart, 15 minutes of mayhem cost United dear.
Slack defending presented Chris Robertson with a chance to equalise, only for him to drag his effort wide, while King was alert to produce a great save from Jack Gillan within the opening two minutes of the second half.
Star would draw level in the 51st minute after they were awarded a penalty for an apparent push in the back off the ball, with Liam McIntosh firing home.
Just nine minutes later, United found themselves a goal and a man down.
McIntosh gave Star the lead with a neat finish before Blackburn’s afternoon became even more difficult on the hour mark.
John Drummond gave away a contentious free-kick on the edge of the box with the challenge earning him a yellow card – followed swiftly by another, presumably for dissent.
The Burnie failed to threaten an equaliser and made matters even worse for themselves when Daryl Meikle was shown a straight red card for dissent with 15 minutes remaining.
What had looked like being a valuable three points for Mark Campbell’s side turned into a disappointing defeat.
Star substitute Ethan Dougall rounded off an afternoon to forget for the hosts with a late fourth goal for the away side to complete the scoring.