No spark as Shippy slump to defeat.
The Shipyard produced what was undoubtably their worst performance of the season as Camelon cruised to an easy 0-2 win at a wet Recreation Park on Wednesday night. It was a rare fixture under the lights at the Shippy and despite the rain, a crowd of 132 turned up to take in the action. The ground staff had done a remarkable job in getting the pitch ready after it cut up badly just a few days earlier and a planned afternoon inspection was not required in the end as the forecasted rain never materialised. Manager Dave Costello named an unchanged starting eleven but Ben Anthony and Ryan O’Donnell dropped out of his squad due to work commitments.
The Camelon players were sharper, faster and more aggressive than their counterparts. Whether the exertions of the hard fought cup tie, that went to extra time last Saturday, took its toll on the Shippy players is the reason for such a flat performance is possible, however, given the importance of this basement battle league match, it was a disappointing night all round. Camelon keeper Jacob Welna never had a save to make as his defence in front of him kept the Shippy attack at bay all night.
The visitors were on the front foot from the off as they dominated proceedings and Scott Costello was forced into a smart save at his near post in the ninth minute and a headed effort from the resultant corner was not too far away. Costy then made an outstanding save from a fierce Jason Walton strike from the edge of the area. The Shipyard were dealt a major setback in the 24th minute when captain Iain Millar was forced off with a shoulder injury, a huge blow for both big Millzy and the team. Costello then had another decent save in the 39th minute but just as the Shippy looked like going in level at the interval Camelon scored in added time as James Finlay found space in the box and he hit the net from around ten yards out.
Camelon continued to dominate in the second period and they doubled their lead in the 61st minute. Jamie MacAllister beat his man out wide and drove towards the box and beat Costello with a shot across him and into the far corner of the net. The big Shippy keeper was happy to see a shot hit the underside of his crossbar and bounce into his arms as the visitors looked for a third in the closing stages, however, the Shippy were able to see out the game without any further damage being inflicted.
On Saturday (08/04/23) we travel to Meadowbank Stadium to face Leith Athletic with the match kicking off at 2.30pm.
Burntisland Shipyard: S. Costello; M. James; D. Thomson; S. Orrock (R. Wardlaw); I. Millar (L. Ross); C. Watt; S. Keatings; D. Anthony; J. Wilson; S. Glancy; S. Strang (R. MacAuley). Unused Subs: R. Connor; R. Crichton; J. Galloway; A. Brown.
Camelon: J. Welna; L. Paton; L. Taggart; S. White; D. Fitzpatrick; R. Glaikin; J. Walton; J. Finlay; K. Fotheringham; S. Day. Subs: K. Knox; J. Simpson; A. Rodgers; R. Wilson; C. Rodger; I. Smith; L. Duffy.
Referee: R. Bowie.