Late goal secures win on the road.
The Shipyard climbed four places up the league table and into fifth place following a late winning goal, courtesy of Darrell Anthony’s header three minutes from time against newly promoted Harthill Royal on Saturday. Following what manager Lee Richardson described as “A very poor first half performance” his team improved after the break and got what was felt to be a deserved win at the end of the day. Ryan Couser returned after serving a one match suspension against Kennoway and he marked his return with a clean sheet and a solid display a Gibbshill Park as he produced a few good saves. Liam Taylor and Michael Gibb remained sidelined through injury though Mark James, Kris Murphy and Ben Anthony all returned to the starting eleven.
The hosts were on top for much of the first half with Kevin Kalala going close on a couple of occasions. They also forced several corners during the half, however, Shippy dealt with their set pieces well though Couser had to be alert to a free kick shortly before the break. A shot from D. Anthony was the closest the visitors came to opening their account.
Shipyard started much brighter in the second period with James going close following a corner thirty seconds into the half. Darrell then hit the post before brother Ben put the ball wide as he followed up. B. Anthony saw a shot saved before James went close again from the resultant corner. Couser saved well from Jeremiah Otonti as Harthill broke quickly. Half time substitute Ellis McQuade had to be replaced himself late in the match as a head knock forced him off. McQuade’s replacement Matty Robertson forced a good save from Royal keeper David Thomson before Shipyard scored what turned out to be the winner in the 87th minute. A long throw from Daniel Brockie was headed on by Iain Millar and Darrell was on hand at the back post to head into the net.
Richardson was much happier with the second half performance as he said “They got a bit of a roasting at half time, and it seemed to work as we were much more at it. We had much more possession and created a few chances and ultimately got the winner. I am delighted to get the three points.”
Next week our focus returns to the Scottish Cup as Irvine Meadow XI visit Recreation Park for our first-round tie. Kick-off is at 3.00pm.
Harthill Royal: D. Thomson; T. Sigauke; J. McNie; G. Moore; P. Luak; L. Paton; J. Otonti (C. Morrison); F. Hall; D. Klienman (P. Glibowski); K. Kalala; D. Strickland (A. Cross). Unused Subs: C. McDougall; E. Buchanan; M. Butler; R. Javed.
Burntisland Shipyard: R. Couser; D. Brockie; K. Crielly (E. Jowitt 65’); M. James; I. Millar; D. Anthony; A. McAndrew (J. Galloway 46’); B. Kerr; K. Murphy; B. Anthony (K. Ritchie 74’); D. McBay (E. McQuade 46’) (M. Robertson 79’). Unused Subs: E. Bauld & C. McBay.
Referee: R. McCartney.