Published: Thursday, 4th September, 2008 17:10
Mixed fortunes for West Fife's top sides in league openers
By Simon Harris
Comments (0)
Print Article
Action from Kelty's match against Tayport
Pic by: Dunfermline Press
WEST FIFE’S top juniors sides experienced mixed fortunes on the opening weekend of the league season.
Kelty kicked off with an impressive 3-0 win at Tayport but Oakley United began life in the Premier League with a 3-0 defeat at Kinnoull.
Hearts boss Stevie Leighton was delighted with the Tayport victory, coming as it did after the Jambos’ disappointing 1-0 defeat to Glenrothes in the semi-final of the ACA Sports League Cup last Wednesday.
“That was probably the worst we have ever played since I have been here in terms of effort and hunger,” Leighton told Press Sport, “so the win was brilliant after that performance.”
On fire striker Craig Morrison bagged another brace to take his tally to 12 in six games, two of which he failed to score in.
Fellow striker Tam McGeorge grabbed the other and Leighton said, “As soon as we got the first goal right after half-time there was only going to be one winner.”
The victory was the perfect preparation for this weekend’s derby at Hill of Beath.
Oakley’s defeat at Kinnoull underlines that this is going to be a difficult season at Blairwood Park according to new boss John Allison.
“We don’t start favourites coming down from the Super League,” he said. “This season is about consolidating and bringing in boys who can take it on from next year.”
Allison said he was disappointed with the first-half performance, which saw Oakley go 3-0 down.
“I basically blew up at them at half-time and I brought myself on from the bench at the back to steady the ship,” he said. “I thought we played better in the second half.”
Two Mark Pagliarulo goals were not enough as Crossgates Primrose lost 3-2 at Jeanfield Swifts in the East Central League but Steelend earned a creditable 1-1 draw at Thornton thanks to Douglas Swan’s equaliser.
In the draw for the first round of the Scottish Junior Cup, Crossgates and Steelend have both been handed away ties.
Steelend must travel to RAF Lossiemouth while Primrose have been handed a trip to Blairgowrie. Ties are to be played on 4th October.
Del.icio.us
Digg
Facebook
Reddit
Stumbleupon
Pars boss gets go-ahead to strengthen for title push