Published: Thursday, 11th September, 2008 08:50
Demolition derby but Hearts attack stopped
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A LACKLUSTRE goalless draw in Fife's derby match between Hill of Beath and Kelty Hearts was a poor advert for the East Region Super League.
But Hearts manager Stevie Leighton insists there is better to come from what he insists is the top league in Scotland.
He said, “To be fair the game wasn’t a great advert for the league or very nice for the spectators.
“From our point of view, it was very windy and it was a tight park. The ball was holding up in the air which made it tough for both teams to play football.
“We just didn’t push for a winner.
“Both managers wanted to win the match, but it was just one of those days.
“We had the wind in the second half but I think the boys were worried about being exposed if they pushed too far up the pitch.
“But I think this is the best league in Scotland. When you look at the junior cup winners over the years, they keep coming from this league – teams like Linlithgow, Bathgate and Tayport – that really speaks for itself.”
Hearts now host Bonnyrigg on Saturday, who have won both their opening league games.
Leighton is hopeful his team can continue their impressive defensive record which has seen them concede no goals so far.
“We’ve a home game this week and a home game next week and you have got to be taking something from those, particularly in this league.
“The biggest plus for us is that we haven’t conceded a goal yet.
“We want to be realistic about our chances in such a strong league but we are looking to settle near the top of the table.”
Six players were missing for the first two games of the season, including Ryan Blackadder and club captain Adam Moffat, but both are back in for Saturday’s match.
Meanwhile, in the East Region Central League, Rosyth recorded a solid 2-0 home victory against Thornton Hibs.
Manager Paul Mooney was bullish about his team’s prospects for the 2008/09 season.
“Our aim is to win the league – simple as that. We have to bounce back after relegation last season and consolidate our position.
“There was some good football and I thought we played really well. They had a couple of boys sent off, but by then the game was won.”
Rosyth’s face Jeanfield Swifts, away, on Saturday.
Mooney added, “The lads hope to dedicate a victory to our main sponsor Ewan Cameron, who is undergoing an operation in hospital.
“Everyone at the club hopes he gets back on his feet soon.”
Oakley’s match in the East Region Premier League against Fauldhouse Utd was postponed while Steelend went down 2-1 at home in the East Region Central League clash with Jeanfield Swifts.
In the same division, Crossgates Primrose beat Newburgh 3-0 at Humbug Park.
Saturday’s fixtures:East Region Super League - Kelty Hearts v Bonnyrigg Rose; East Region Premier League - Oakley United v Arniston Rangers; East Region Central League - Jeanfield Swifts v Rosyth, Newburgh v Steelend Vics, Lochore Welfare v Crossgates Primrose.
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