Stalemate at the Shippy.
Although this was second bottom versus top, strangely enough we had the two best defences in the league up against each other. Perhaps then it was no surprise that the match finished 0-0. This was a game of very few chances with the strong easterly wind and a bobbly pitch not helping anyone’s cause. The result certainly favoured the Shippy more than Dunbar as the point gained could be extremely crucial in their survival fight but for the visitors, although promotion looks assured, the two points dropped opens the door for Glenrothes to win the title. Lewis Ross replaced the suspended Craig Watt in the only change from Wednesday night, meanwhile Darrell Anthony and Scott Orrock returned to the squad that had beaten Kirkcaldy, however, big Millzy was still side-lined with his shoulder injury.
Scott Costello was called into action in the 4th minute when he had to tip over a shot from Jonathan Edmond that bounced up on the fiery surface. The Shippy then had a spell of pressure albeit not troubling Sean Brennan in the Seasiders goal. Dunbar enjoyed a lot of possession as the half progressed but again Costy was rarely troubled. Jack Wilson saw his driven free kick deflect of the defensive wall and over for a corner in what was probably the nearest either side came to a goal in the first half. Sean Stewart shot wide for Dunbar before the Shipyard were dealt a blow when the influential Sean Keatings had to be replaced by Ryan O’Donnell.
Dunbar had the elements behind them in the second period and started strongly with Michael McFarlane heading across the face of goal but just wide of the far post. Josh Walker had a couple of attempts but neither could find the target as the game headed towards the final quarter. The visitors twice made double substitutions as they tried to change the course of the match but it was to no avail as the same pattern continued. The closest we came to a goal came in the 77th minute when substitute Cameron Dawson got on the end of a free kick and his header hit the outside of the post and went wide. Jordan Galloway charged down a Brennan clearance but the ball didn’t fall kindly for the Shippy midfielder and Dunbar were able to clear the danger.
After the match Shipyard manager Dave Costello said “I am very pleased with the performance today. Once again no-one let me down and we never allowed them many opportunities. We didn’t create much ourselves in what were difficult conditions but it’s another point on the board and I am happy with four out of six and two cleans sheets over these two games.”
On Tuesday night we travel to Treaton Park to face Kennoway Star Hearts in what is another crucial match. Kick-off is at 7pm. On Saturday we are on the road again with Prestonpans being the destination for a match against Preston Athletic. We are running a bus to this match and there are seats available for supporters who want to travel with the cost being £10 for adults. Please message the Club for details. Kick-off at Pennypit Park is 2.30pm.
Burntisland Shipyard: S. Costello; D. Thomson; J. Wilson; L. Ross; M. James; S. Strang; S. Keatings (R. O’Donnell); J. Galloway; B. Anthony; S. Glancy; R. Wardlaw. Unused Subs: R. Connor; A. Brown; C. Lewis; S. Orrock; D. Anthony.
Dunbar United: S. Brennan; A. Congalton (F. Neave); M. McFarlane; R. Berry (G. Goldie); B. Bathgate (C. Dawson); J. Edmond; J. Walker; W. Hare; D. Smith; D. Whitson; S. Stewart (S. Millar). Unused Subs: S. Dowie; K. Allan; G. Thomson.
Referee: J. McCunnie.