Dundonald Bluebell 2 Kelty Hearts 1

FRUSTRATED Thomas Courts bemoaned a “crazy” series of refereeing decisions as 10-man Kelty Hearts fell to a late derby defeat.

The Super League leaders looked on course for a victory that their boss said would’ve taken them a “massive step towards the title” after Jordyn Sheerin side-footed them ahead on the stroke of half-time.

But the Jambos’ day began to fall apart with 17 minutes to go when Murray Carstairs conceded a penalty and was sent off – despite appearing to be fouled himself – and Lewis McKenzie equalised.

Then, with six minutes remaining, former Kelty man Scott Lawrie haunted his old club with an outrageous 40-yard free kick that flew into the top corner to seal victory for the hosts and leave Courts deflated.

He told Press Sport: “It was a disappointing result but I’m frustrated more than anything. I’ve never had a go at referees because they’re only human; I also think it’s crass and I don’t want to take anything away from the opposition. I am notoriously tough on the players but I have to cut them some slack; they gave everything on Saturday but it was a really bizarre refereeing performance.

“We were a bit fortunate to go in at half-time 1-0 up but I thought we were totally comfortable and were looking towards getting one of those ugly 1-0 wins but the game turned on its head because of a raft of poor decisions. I’ve a lot of time for Scott Lambie the referee but, unfortunately, we seemed to be falling foul of all the decisions.

“For the first goal, they played a long ball and Murray Carstairs read it, was pushed by Scott Lawrie and fell down, put his hand on the ball and the referee gave a penalty and a red card. To go down to 10 men and concede a penalty in that way was bizarre and we tried to rally but to be fair to Dundonald, they went toe-to-toe with us and there wasn’t a lot in it.

“Their tails were up and saw the opportunity to try and press home their advantage but we had a decent call for a foul five or 10 seconds before the free kick that Scott Lawrie scored from. It was an unbelievable hit and a goal fit to win any game but it’s probably the first time in my managerial career that I have to stand up for my players because the referee hindered them.

“It comes down to small margins but the lads gave everything, although I thought Dundonald were fantastic.”

Kelty’s lead is down to 18 points and Bonnyrigg, a further two back, have played seven games fewer and Courts said: “Had we emerged victorious on Saturday, I think it would have seen us take a massive step towards the title, but we have to dust ourselves down for Carnoustie on Saturday. It’s still in our hands.”

Kirkcaldy YM 1 Crossgates Primrose 3

PRIMROSE boss Andy Brown wants his team to enjoy what remains of their campaign after making light work of Kirkcaldy YM.

The Humbug Park men overturned an early deficit to record their first win in nine South Division games at Denfield Park – and just their fourth of the season.

Although Matthew Miller headed in from a corner in the fourth minute for the hosts, Stuart Donaldson quickly pulled Crossgates level before talisman Liam Forbes fired them ahead 12 minutes into the second half.

Donaldson grabbed his second in the 65th minute to wrap up a deserved victory, and Brown said: “We lost one of our centre halves in the warm-up and our captain was sick through the week but fair play to Dale (Prattis) as he gave us 45 minutes.

“It was a good performance. The park wasn’t conducive to good football; it was bobbly and dry, so we had to play a bit more direct. It was a comfortable win.

“Realistically, we are only able to go up one place and I think we’re the only team that has all of the top four to play. We could have a say in who gets promoted but it’s a free reign for the guys; they should go out and enjoy it.

“I’m looking towards next year. We’re growing as a group but it takes time to build.”

Oakley United 0 Dunbar United 4

OAKLEY UNITED slumped to their third heavy defeat in a row as promotion-chasing Dunbar United proved too strong at Blairwood Park.

Lee Richardson’s men have now shipped a morale-sapping 14 goals in their last three matches.

The hosts started brightly, with John Tully going close from a Kevin Goodwin corner early on but they fell behind just before the half-hour mark. Dunbar doubled their advantage just three minutes later and things got worse for Oakley in the 37th minute when they conceded a penalty, which was converted.

The home team rallied after the break but the game was killed off in spectacular fashion in the 64th minute with a fourth goal for the visitors.

Boss Richardson told Press Sport: “I had to play my goalkeeping coach in goals and had a 16-year-old trialist up front. We were down to the bare bones – I still have six players out – but I think it was just experience that showed from the Dunbar side. We fought well and worked hard; we’re away to West Calder on Saturday, who we’ve already beaten at home, so I don’t see why we can’t go there and win.”

West Calder United 3 Rosyth 2

THERE was last-gasp heartbreak for an under-strength Rosyth as a 96th minute goal saw them lose out to West Calder United on Saturday.

Despite letting a two-goal lead slip, Barry Cockburn’s side looked set to leave West Lothian with a point but a goal deep into stoppage time completed a remarkable turn around for the hosts and inflict a fifth defeat on the road for the West Fifers.

Cockburn was without six players but they went 2-0 up thanks to Dean Ogg and an own goal. The hosts pulled a goal back from a corner just two minutes before half-time before hauling themselves level within five minutes of the restart.

The late winner was a sickener and Cockburn said: “The players all know the performance wasn’t up to recent standards and will be eager to bounce back straight away. It was a bad day at the office but we dust ourselves down and move on.”

Saturday’s fixtures (kick-offs 2.30pm): McBookie.com Super League – Carnoustie Panmure v Kelty Hearts. McBookie.com South Division – Pumpherston Juniors v Crossgates Primrose, Rosyth v Kirkcaldy YM, West Calder United v Oakley United.