Rovers keeper keeps Shippy at bay.
Shaun Keatings takes on the Peebles keeper.
The Shipyard finished the season in disappointing fashion as they were held to a goalless draw by Peebles Rovers at Recreation Park. The Shippy dominated for long spells and created more chances against the league champions but visiting keeper Darren Walker was in fine form and could not be beaten. Despite having a depleted squad due to injury and other commitments the Shippy played well enough to merit the win though they did extend their unbeaten run to eight games.
The Shipyard started the match brightly and Dale Robertson saw his early strike saved by Walker and within seconds Ewan Henderson saw his headed effort clear the bar. Next to threaten was Shaun Keatings but Walker was quickly off his line to avert the danger. There was a lull in the proceeding and it was not until the 30th minute that Shippy keeper Jordan Mushet saw any real action as he punched a dangerous cross away. Big Hendo got the break of the ball in the Peebles area but again Walker was alert and cleared the danger. Peebles did threaten a few minutes later but Craig Lowe put his body in the way of a powerful strike.
The second half saw JP McPhail replace the injured Blair Smart who had come off second best after colliding with a barrier. Not many chances were being created but those that were mainly came for the hosts and in the 65th minute, possibly the best chance of the match,[ saw Walker save with his legs from Robertson’s precise shot from just inside the area. Henderson then headed over a Keatings corner and at the other end Mushet held a Scott Sutherland effort. Keatings had a shot held and also latched onto a poor pass back but could make nothing of it. In between substitute Gordon Grieve fired in a tremendous cross that McPhail got on the end of but once again Walker was on hand to make the save. Near the end substitute JP McPhail himself had to be subbed after picking up knock to his knee.
Dale Robertson shoots v Peebles
Standing in for Alex again, Neil said “The team certainly did not let Tommy and myself down against the league champions with a performance that merited all three points. With a depleted squad the lads all dug deep and put in a fine footballing performance which was the most pleasing aspect today. And to end the season as the form team in the league is also a credit to the boys.
If we had taken our chances today we could easily have scored four goals and great credit goes to the back four today for not allowing pebbles many chances and allowing Jordon an easy day”.
Neil then went on to praise the squads commitment to the Club when he added “I would like to thank all squad members on their efforts since Alex, Tommy & Myself came in during November and with all the squad committed to re-signing, the future looks promising and hopefully we can continue this good run we have had into next season and be challenging for the honours this club deserve”.
Burntisland Shipyard: J. Mushet; C. Lowe; P. Bell; B. Smart (JP McPhail) (M. Miller); T. Arthur; E. Anderson; R. Kelly (G. Grieve); A. MacDonald; D. Robertson; S. Keatings; E. Henderson. Unused Sub: S. Costello.
Peebles Rovers: D. Walker; D. Richardson; S. Meikle; S. Connaghan; S. Sutherland; P. Murray; D. Ndiweni; D. McAleavey; F. Arthur; C. Flockhart; J. Darling (G. Rossi). Unused Subs: L. Zavaroni; J. Flockhart; J. Young.
Referee: B. Reid.