Shippy storm to impressive win.

The Shipyard arrived in the Borders boosted by the news of two new signings and that several players had signed contract extensions, committing themselves to the club for at least another season after this one. The Shippy made light of the windy conditions as they blew Peebles away in a storming first half performance at Whitestone Park on Saturday. Backed by a magnificent travelling support the Shippy were four ahead at the interval and in all truth, it could have been a few more as the visitors were relentless in as a dominant 45 minutes as you are likely to see. A reversal of possession and dominance did not materialise in the second half as despite having the conditions in their favour Peebles didn’t threaten the Shippy goal until the 75^th minute and by that time the Shipyard had created a few more chances and could have been even further ahead. Darrell Anthony and Mark James were unavailable due to the injuries they picked up last week and their places were taken by Lee Henderson and recent permanent signing Dan Thomson.

The first chance came the Shippy’s way with a minute on the clock when Shaun Keatings hooked an effort just wide and Sam Glancy shot over before the deadlock was broken in the 4^th minute. Rovers’ keeper Cameron Hanratty’s poor clearance fell to Ben Anthony and Benji took control of the ball and scored with a composed finish. Jack Wilson gathered a pass at the edge of the area, turned and shot only to see Hanratty save well as he dived to his right. A second goal arrived in the 17^th minute and it was a rare header from Keatings that found the net following a great delivery from Thomson. Scott Orrock shot wide from distance as the pressure on the Peebles defence remained constant. Benji scored his second in the 20^th minute when Hanratty spilled a Keatings shot and the Shippy top scorer reached twenty for the season with a simple tap in. He almost completed his hat-trick in spectacular fashion; however, he was denied as his fine strike came back off the post. Hanratty pulled off good saves from Anthony and Wilson with the save from the latter being particularly impressive. Keatings then scored the fourth in the 41^st minute with a low shot into the corner after Anthony had set him up. Keatsy notched a brace for the second week running as he kept up his fine run of scoring.

The Shipyard continued to hold the upper hand in the second half with Iain Millar and Craig Watt dominant at the back for the visitors, with Rovers getting no change out of them whatsoever. The Shippy had a claim for a penalty turned down in the 62^nd minute when it appeared Anthony was pushed in the back, however, the fact that he remained on his feet probably swayed the referee’s decision. Wilson and Thomson both had efforts from close range with big Jack’s being blocked and Dan’s strike saved by Hanratty. Manager Dave Costello made four changes as the half wore on with a debut for new signing Lewis Ross who arrived from Kirkcaldy last week. Peebles finally threatened in the 75^th minute when Gary Tickle smashed a fine effort off the post and substitute Kyle Kivlichan headed over from inside the box. The Shippy saw out the final few minutes without any further chances for the hosts as they kept a very well deserved clean sheet. After the match the manager said “That was an excellent performance in very difficult conditions. Peebles were impressive when we played them at home, so to come down here and play like that was really pleasing. The first half was exactly what I wanted and for me the second was just as impressive and we maintained control of the match and created more opportunities.” He had plenty of praise for his players when he added “Glancy and Orrock dominated the midfield, so did Rooney and Millzy who were outstanding in defence and although Benji and Keatsy scored the goals Jack and Dan were very instrumental in our attacking play. Indeed, everyone played a part in a great performance.”

Next Saturday we are on the road again as we travel to East Shore Park to face Newburgh Juniors in a league match. Kick-off is at 2pm.

Peebles Rovers: C. Hanratty; L. Andrew; G. Tickle; D. Skinner; D. Anderson; R. Lamb; S. Latto; H. McGill; L. MacLean; K. Mitchell; M. Kinross. Subs: J. Dodds; J. Sykes; K. Kivlichan; J. Mackay.

Burntisland Shipyard: S. Costello; M. Miller (L. Ross); L. Henderson; S. Orrock; I. Millar; C. Watt; S. Keatings (J. Thomson); D. Thomson (S. Strang); B. Anthony (L. Mahady); J. Wilson; S. Glancy. Unused Subs: J. Galloway & R. Connor.

Referee: R. Struthers.