Season gets off to disappointing start.
The new season got off to a disappointing start for the Shipyard as Lochore Welfare came from behind to win 2-1 at Recreation Park on Saturday. The fact that no fewer than ten players were absent undoubtedly had a huge impact on the options available to manager Dave Costello. Basically, he was down to the bare bones with five of them serving a suspension carried over from last season, a stark reminder of the need to remain disciplined throughout the season, while the others were injured or on holiday. Those that played performed well and deserved more out of the game than they got.
There was very little in the way of chances in the first half with the only clear cut ones falling to the Shippy’s Nathan Feeley. He headed an Anthony cross over after 8 minutes and he saw his angled shot drift agonisingly wide following a slight touch from Welfare keeper Dale Wotherspoon after 40 minutes.
The second half was a much more entertaining affair and early pressure from the Shippy paid off as they took the lead within five minutes of the restart with a debut goal for Cammy Lewis. Anthony’s low cross from the right found Lewis who knocked the ball home from around six yards though some thought that the final touch came from a Lochore defender. Lochore came back strongly with a speculative cross come shot hitting the post and they drew level in the 59th minute when ex-Shipyard man Robbie Crawford scored from inside the box after showing good close control and skill. The Shipyard had a lucky escape in the 68th minute when a free-kick was pushed out by Scott Costello and the defence managed to block the visitor’s efforts to get the ball over the line at the expense of a corner. From the set piece Costello then tipped a headed attempt over the bar. Lochore took the lead with seven minutes remaining and again it was an ex-Shipyard man who scored as Ethan Anderson headed in at the back post from a corner. Costy had little to say after the match other than “We are always going to be up against it when so many players are missing.”
The action continues on Wednesday night as Preston Athletic visit Recreation Park for a league match. Kick-off is at 7.30pm.
Burntisland Shipyard: S. Costello; R. Crichton (B. Trialist); L. Bell; A. Trialist; J. Wilson; S. Orrock (C. Trialist); S. Strang; C. Lewis; B. Anthony; N. Feeley; D. Thomson (J. Galloway).
Referee: D. Kerr.