Published: Thursday, 20th March, 2008 2:15pm

Aberdour top shinty league after making winning start

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ABERDOUR Shinty Club"s senior team got their league campaign under way on Saturday with a 2-1 victory over Glasgow Mid Argyll at Silversands Park, a result which sees them at the top South Division Two.

Glasgow Mid Argyll"s game in South Division One was postponed, enabling them to field four first team players, which made Aberdour"s performance all the more satisfying.

The Fife team"s young players have had a baptism of fire in the last two league seasons and while their skill levels have always been evident, they now have a more physical presence on the park as well.

Aberdour started the game strongly, moving the ball well from midfield to the wings, and created one or two good chances before taking the lead in 13 minutes through Joe Dunton.

Dunton was unlucky not to add to his tally with two shots going agonisingly wide shortly afterwards.

Glasgow"s response was to play the remainder of the first half at a scorching pace, with every ball fiercely contested.

During this difficult period, Andy Mathie and Calum Shaw were outstanding in Aberdour"s centre line, while Alister Shaw"s speed and skill in defence enabled him to break down many GMA forays down the right wing.

The equaliser came in 34 minutes, when GMA talented youngster Innes McMillan combined with Euan Forsyth to set up Jonathan Oates.

After the interval, and playing up the Silversands slope, Aberdour took the game to GMA and had countless shots on goal but the break would not come.

GMA rallied and began to put Aberdour under pressure but their forwards seemed to lack composure in front of goal and Aberdour keeper Tom Bowerman dealt calmly with any shots on target.

The match was heading for a draw when in the second minute of injury time Aberdour"s Doug Newsom carved out one more opening and got a good shot away.

GMA"s keeper made the save but before he could hit the ball to safety Dunton followed in to slot home the winner.

This Saturday Aberdour play Oban Celtic at Silversands Park at 2.30pm.

Aberdour: Tom Bowerman, Ross Nicol, John MacLachlan, Alister Shaw, Ruaridh Reid, Lisa Norman, Calum Shaw, Andy Mathie (Alastair Trickett 55), Doug Newsom, David Rogers, Joe Dunton, Kevin McKell..