Keatings goal seals Shippy win.
The Shipyard recorded a 1-0 away win against Lochgelly Albert though in truth the win was more comfortable than the scoreline suggests. Shaun Keatings’ goal on the hour mark was all that separated the sides, however, had the Shippy taken their chances in a dominant first half display they would surely have won much more convincingly. Scott Orrock and Keatings returned from suspension and replaced the unavailable Ryan O’Donnell and Dan Thomson who has returned to his parent club Inverkeithing.
The first opportunity that fell the Shippy’s way came in the 5th minute when Anthony Couper failed to control the ball and Jordan Galloway homed in on goal but Albert keeper Sam McGuff blocked with his legs. Darrell Anthony then dragged a shot wide from a good position after the ball fell kindly to him. Benji was next to be denied by McGuff as he saved somewhat unorthodoxly with his knees and from the resultant corner Jack Wilson headed wide. Galloway then fed the ball through to Benji; however, the top scorer could not find the net on this occasion. The Shippy maintained the pressure and came the closest yet to opening the scoring when Darrell hit the underside of the bar following a corner. Lochgelly came more into the match in the final fifteen minutes of the half though Scott Costello was barely troubled as Craig Watt, in particular, nullified the hosts attacks ably assisted by Darrell and Sam Glancy in the middle of the park.
The Shippy continued on the front foot at the start of the second half and McGuff did well to block Wilson at his near post. Watt then headed over as he met an inswinging corner from the left hand side. The Shipyard finally broke the deadlock in the 60th minute through Keatings who calmly finished from inside the area after Watt cleverly let the ball run to him. Glancy shot narrowly over following more good play from Galloway and the keeper then held an Iain Millar header as the Shipyard looked to take a firm grip on the game. Connor Murdoch never troubled Costello when he was afforded a bit of space in a rare chance for the Albert and substitute Lee Kirby also failed to threaten the visitors goal with a headed effort. Big Milzy drove just wide from distance before Lochgelly had their closest effort of the match. A shot from distance had Costello struggling though the big keeper did well to push the ball onto the post and he was able to gather the loose ball as it bounced out from goal. The Shippy were able to see out the closing stages without any serious threat and at full-time they were worthy winners and deserved the three points. Manager Dave Costello was happy after the match when he said “That was a good away win and a fine performance on a difficult surface. I thought Rooney and Jordan were outstanding today with others not too far behind them. It’s always pleasing to keep a clean sheet and the defence deserve credit for that too.”
Next week (20/11/2021) we travel to Perth to face Kinnoull in the second round of the King Cup. Kick off for this match is 1.30pm.
Lochgelly Albert: S. McGuff; A. Penman; L. Kerwin; A. Couper; G. Allan; P. Armour; J. Meldrum (L. MacDuff); C. Murdoch; S. Stark (L. Kirby); M. Woods (C. Dignan); C. Bennell. Unused Subs: G. Brown; T. Fleming; S. Houston; L. Woods.
Burntisland Shipyard: S. Costello; S. Orrock; J. Galloway; M. James; I. Millar; C. Watt; S. Keatings; D. Anthony (S. Strang); B. Anthony; S. Glancy (J. Thomson); J. Wilson. Unused Subs: M. Miller; M. Douglas; M. Gibb.
Referee: B. Cooper.