Embarrassing! Yes. Humiliating! Yes. As one stalwart Shippy fan said, “probably one of the worst Shipyard performances I have ever seen.” And few could argue with him after what we witnessed on Saturday. Sure, Luncarty played very well but to concede eight goals at home, to anyone, was criminal. A good crowd turned up to watch the Shippy’s survival fight but what they saw was a capitulation as the visitors ran riot. Following solid defensive displays and keeping clean sheets against the top two in the division, Dunbar and Glenrothes, it was hard to believe what we were watching. Scott Costello returned in goals and Ben Anthony was a surprise inclusion after his work commitments had changed, however, it was a day both of them will want to forget.
The Shipyard were denied an early penalty as the ball was handled in the box but the referee thought otherwise and his excuse after the match, possibly on the advice of his observer, that the ball hit the defenders supporting arm, cut no ice with the Shipyard contingent. Luncarty took control of the match after this and the warning signs were there with a couple attempts at the Shippy goals. The visitors took the lead in the 18th minute and it was soon 2-0 with the Shippy defence all at sea. Luncarty scored a third and fourth goal before the interval with only an Anthony free kick, that was easily mopped up by Luncarty keeper Craig Hepburn, worth noting for the Shipyard.
The Shipyard had the strong Easterly wind behind them in the second half but any hope of sensational comeback evaporated within five minutes of the restart. Firstly, Luncarty scored a fifth goal and a minute later Anthony saw red after aiming a kick at keeper Hepburn. Three more goals including a penalty were scored as Luncarty dominated the rest of the match, while another Shipyard claim for handball was unsurprisingly turned down by the referee.
We are now down to the nitty gritty as we welcome relegation rivals Coldstream to the Shippy this week (13/05/2023) where only a win will do. Hopefully, the supporters will not give up on the team and come out in big numbers again and back the boys.
Burntisland Shipyard; S. Costello; R. O’Donnell (R. MacAuley); J. Wilson; L. Ross; M. James (D. Anthony); C. Watt; D. Thomson; R. Crichton; B. Anthony; R. Wardlaw; S. Strang (J. Galloway). Unused Subs: R. Connor; S. Keatings; S. Orrock; R. Watt.
Luncarty: C. Hepburn; D. Dobie; L. Strong; M. Cullerton; L. Mackie; C. Mitchell; R. Davies; B. Scarborough; C. Kirkcaldy; C. Anton; O. Hamilton. Subs: M. Patton; R. MacLachlan; B. English; K. Green; A. Carlon;
The Shipyard gained a valuable point after drawing 0-0, for the second time this season, with Glenrothes at Warout Stadium on Tuesday night, however, with Coldstream grabbing a late winner against Preston Athletic there is now no margin for error with only four games remaining. With both Coldstream and Lochore still to be faced all is far from lost but these games are now very much in the must win category. With Scott Costello serving a suspension following his controversial red card on Saturday Mikey Couser took over between the sticks, meanwhile Ben Anthony was unavailable but Mark James and Ryan O’Donnell came back into the team with Sandy Strang dropping to the bench. The pitch was not in the greatest condition for the match with the ball bobbling about and taking some strange bounces. Hence the reason the ball was in the air so much.
A long thrown in was met by the head of Conor Schiavone but the striker couldn’t get his attempt on target. A few corners and crosses were thrown into the Shippy box but Couser was not unduly troubled by anything that came his way. Reece Brown drove at the Shipyard defence but his powerful strike sailed over Couser’s bar. A long ball saw Darrell Anthony challenge keeper Brandon Connor at the edge of the area with the loose ball falling for Jack Wilson but the big striker couldn’t get his attempt on target. In first half added time a Chris Gay free kick was held by Couser and at the other end Shaun Keatings curled an effort wide.
There was not much action at the start of the second period, however, the match was lit up on the hour mark as Couser produced an excellent save as he tipped over from Dylan Honeyman’s close range effort. The introduction of Rhys Wardlaw lifted the Shipyard though it was a mistake from the Glens keeper that almost gifted the Shippy the lead. Connor misjudged a long ball as it bounced over his head but Wilson did not anticipate the mistake and the keeper was able to scramble back and flop on the ball. Couser held a low shot from Lea Schiavone and at the other end Wardlaw drove forward and got a shot away which was gathered by Connor. The game drifted towards what was now an inevitable 0-0 draw with only a red card following a second yellow for Shipyard captain Sam Glancy being worthy of note.
Manager Dave Costello said after the match “I was happy with the point, however, the news that Coldstream had won was disappointing. We defended well and Mikey only had one save of note, albeit it was fantastic one. We didn’t create enough going forward so to take a point was okay.”
On Saturday we welcome Luncarty to Recreation Park for another vital game and another big crowd would be most welcome. Kick-off is at 2.30pm.
Glenrothes: B. Connor; C. Lumsden; C. Wallace; L. Grierson; B. Smart; C. Denton; L. Schiavone; C. Gay (R. McInnes); C. Schiavone (I. McManus); D. Honeyman (J. Martin); R. Brown. Unused Subs: A. Shaw; C. Thompson; D. Blyth; A. McCallion.
Burntisland Shipyard: M. Couser; R. O’Donnell; D. Thomson; L. Ross; M. James; C. Watt; S. Keatings; D. Anthony (R. Crichton); J. Wilson (S. Strang); S. Glancy; J. Galloway (R. Wardlaw). Unused Subs: R. Connor; C. Lewis; S. Orrock; R. Watt.
Despite taking the lead for the second game in a row the Shipyard couldn’t build on or maintain their advantage and again fell to a 3-1 defeat, this time at the hands of Preston Athletic who prior to kick off were probably on the periphery of the relegation zone. With games running out the Shippy need to start winning again soon or the trapdoor will open and relegation will be inevitable. Both Shaun Keatings and Ben Anthony recovered from the knocks they picked up in midweek and Craig Watt returned from suspension and all three started the match.
The hosts started the match well and created an opening in the first minute but Cameron Laidlaw dragged his shot wide. Laidlaw had another attempt in the 11th minute; however, Scott Costello was able to tip his strike away. From a corner Costello held a Paul Currie header and he then saved low down from Mikey Hamilton. The Shippy were awarded a free kick in the 25th minute and it was perhaps no surprise that the wall blocked Sam Glancy’s attempt given it was no more than five yards away. The referee did order a retake and at least this time the wall was about eight yards away and again stopped the attempt. The ball broke to Darrell Anthony but the Shippy No 8 couldn’t direct his shot on target. A quick counter from Preston saw a dangerous ball played across the face of goal and it took a vital interception from Jack Wilson to clear the danger. The Shipyard stunned the hosts by taking the lead in the 31st minute and again it was Keatings with the goal. Following his midweek strike, he again produced a sublime finish, this time it was a free kick some 22 yards out that gave Preston keeper Robbie Stirling no chance. Unfortunately for the Shippy that lead only lasted seven minutes as trialist Brandon Archibald, despite looking offside, delicately lobbed the ball over Costello and into the net. Preston now had their tails up and Byron Archibald might have done better than shoot straight at the keeper. The Shipyard were under intense pressure and conceded a second as the game moved into added time. Possession was conceded deep inside their own half and Preston capitalised when Hamilton netted. Laidlaw shot wide just before the referee blew for half time.
As the players left the field there was a bit of jostling and Costello reacted to something a spectator said and was given a red card for apparent gesture to the crowd. A very harsh decision given what the referee seen or should have seen as the players left the field. Ultimately, with the Shippy shooting down hill in the second half it turned into an uphill struggle with only ten men and striker Ben Anthony taking over in goals.
There was not a lot of goalmouth action at either end and Benji was not unduly troubled, albeit he made a couple of unorthodox saves with his feet and he got down low at his post once to push an attempt away. Indeed, the only time he was beaten was by his own man when Sandy Strang swung at a ball played into the box and his sclaffed attempted clearance looped over Benji and dropped into the net. Preston could have added a fourth late on but substitute Aaron Faulds missed an absolute sitter as he missed the target when it was easier to score.
On Tuesday night we make the short journey to Warout Stadium to face Glenrothes with the kick off being at the earlier time of 7.15pm.
Preston Athletic: R. Stirling; B. Reilly; C. Innes; P. Currie; K. Jack (A. Subasic); K. Somers; M. Hamilton (N. Muir); C. Laidlaw (A. Faulds); J. Keenan; By. Archibald; Br. Archibald (S. McCole). Unused Subs: S. Gray; A. Imlah; B. Ritchie.
Burntisland Shipyard: S. Costello; D. Thomson (A. Brown); J. Wilson; L. Ross; S. Strang; C. Watt (R. Crichton); S. Keatings (C. Lewis); D. Anthony (R. MacAuley); B. Anthony; S. Glancy; S. Orrock (R. Wardlaw). Unused Sub: R. Watt.
The Shipyard produced one of their poorest performances of the season as they went down 3-1 to Kennoway Star Hearts at Treaton Park. Despite getting off to a great start following Shaun Keatings’ wonder strike the Shippy couldn’t build on their lead as stray passes, bad decision making and poor finishing allowed the hosts to stay in the match and the longer the match went the more the Shippy lost a grip on proceedings. The loss of Ben Anthony due to injury after 28 minutes and Keatings not reappearing for the second half certainly didn’t help matters but given the importance of the match, it turned out to be a very disappointing night. Mark James dropped out of the squad as he joined Iain Millar and Craig Watt, amongst others on the side-lines.
Shippy players rush to celebrate Keatsy’s goal.
The Shippy created a decent chance with one minute on the clock as good build up play set up a chance for Keatsy, however, Star keeper Kyle Moran held his shot. The hosts then had a flurry of corners with the last one being headed onto the top of the bar by Pat Armour. The Shipyard took the lead in the 12th minute with a sensational strike. Moran’s clearance fell perfectly for Keatsy and with Moran stranded he fired the ball over the keeper and into the net from all of forty five yards. Anthony saw his shot blocked following a good run, with Sam Glancy unable to direct the loose ball on target as the Shippy looked for a second. Their hopes were dealt a blow when Ben was forced off injured and he was replaced by his brother Darrell. Rhys Wardlaw drove forward and broke clear of his marker only to see his angled drive slide narrowly wide of the far post. Wardlaw again powered into the box and crossed but Darrell’s side foot volley lacked the power to beat Moran. Kennoway were starting to impose themselves on the match and they drew level in the 39th minute. A right wing cross was excellently controlled by Dylan Walker and his volleyed finish gave Scott Costello no chance. Just before the interval a D. Anthony drive was held.
Cammy Lewis replaced Keatings for the start of the second half with the youngster seeing his first action for a few weeks following injury. A free kick was headed back across the box for Wardlaw to get his head on, however, Moran was able to parry his effort and then gather the ball. Costello saved low to his right before Jay Watson drove wide as Kennoway started to gain the upper hand. Star took the lead in the 77th minute when a long ball over then top found Walker with the Shippy defence static and looking for an offside that never was and although Costello forced him wide the striker took his time and shot home from the edge of the box. Costello then saved from substitute Jake Grady as Kennoway looked the more likely to score and they got a third and it was a hat-trick for Watson as he found the net from the centre of the area. Shippy manager Dave Costello was bitterly disappointed after the match and said, “We made too many mistakes and lacked the urgency and quality to build on the lead or get back into it when we went behind.”
On Saturday we travel to Pennypit Park to face Preston Athletic in what is another vital match as we try to get away from the lower reaches of the table. Kick-off is at 2.30pm. There is still a limited number of seats available on the bus.
Kennoway Star Hearts: K. Moran; J. Watson; M. Wilson J. McLelland); P. Armour (W. Romanis); L. Young; A. Higgins; L. Gartshore (G. Allan); K. Stark (J. Grady); D. Nugent (B. Mair); D. Walker; M. Black. Unused Sub: L. Bryce.
Burntisland Shipyard: S. Costello; D. Thomson; J. Wilson; L. Ross; S. Strang; S. Orrock; S. Keatings (C. Lewis); J. Galloway (R. MacAuley); B. Anthony (D. Anthony); S. Glancy; R. Wardlaw. Unused Subs: R. Connor & A. Brown.
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.
The Shipyard celebrated its 104th birthday in fine style as they thrashed local rivals Kirkcaldy & Dysart 4-0 at Recreation Park on Wednesday night. The three points were very much a welcome boost as the Shippy try to fight their way out of the relegation zone. For Kirkcaldy, the result has severely damaged their promotion hopes as they find themselves six points behind third place with only four games remaining. On another night the visitors might have been ahead as the woodwork saved the Shippy on more than one occasion, however, once they got their noses in front the Shippy never looked back and as the scoreline suggests won comfortably in the end. The Shipyard were boosted by the return of Ben Anthony but had to do without his brother Darrell who was ill and Big Millzy whose shoulder injury kept him on the sidelines.
The Shippy had an early chance when Shaun Keatings crossed for Benji but the striker couldn’t direct his attempt on target. Kirkcaldy then took the game by the scruff of the neck as Ricki Cooper sent a free kick wide. Owen Andrew then struck the post from the edge of the area, Jay Bridgeford rattled the bar and then Mark Wilkie hit the post with another free kick. All this happened within the space of a few minutes, with striking similarity to what happened to the Shippy at Meadowbank the other week, as the woodwork denied them on numerous occasions too. When your luck’s out as they say! The Shipyard stunned the visitors as they took the lead when a quality Anthony cross was turned into his own net by Wilkie with 22 minutes on the clock. The Shipyard were now the dominant team as they got a grip on proceedings and were unlucky not to go two ahead when Jack Wilson’s ferocious drive was brilliantly saved by keeper Dion Gear. The second goal duly arrived in the 42nd minute when the Shippy were awarded a penalty. Craig Watt was fouled in the act of shooting and when the dust had settled Wilson calmly scored from the spot.
The Shippy started the second half on the front foot and had a couple of half-hearted penalty shouts as Keatings was starting to find space in the box. Another penalty was awarded on the hour mark as Anthony was impeded as he burst into the box. Once again Wilson took the kick and although Gear got a hand to the ball, such was the power in the shot he couldn’t keep it out and the Shippy were three ahead. The game then saw a couple of flash points as firstly Kirkcaldy manager Craig Ness saw red for entering the Shipyard technical area and was sent off for adopting an aggressive attitude. Then the Shipyard then received a red card, this time on the pitch, as Watt was shown a red card for an off the ball incident. The fact that the Kirkcaldy player involved received no punishment for his part in the altercation was surprising. Being a man light did not deter the Shippy as Anthony shot across the face of goal. Bridgeford hit the outside of the post as the visitors looked for what would only be a consolation in the closing stages. Anthony had another strike saved by Gear before, in the 89th minute, Keatsy put the icing on the birthday cake with a quick Cruyff turn which totally wrong footed the Kirkcaldy defence and followed up with a rabona finish from around six yards out to round off a great night for the Club.
Manager Dave Costello was naturally delighted when he said “Finally we got a couple of breaks tonight and we went on to produce a great performance. I thought all the boys stood up tonight and they all contributed to the win.”
On Saturday (22/04/2023) we welcome Dunbar United to Recreation Park for the first time in what is a vital game for both sides.
Burntisland Shipyard: S. Costello; D. Thomson; J. Wilson; S. Strang; M. James; C. Watt; S. Keatings; J. Galloway (R. MacAulay); B. Anthony; S. Glancy; R. Wardlaw (L. Ross). Unused Subs: R. Connor; R. Crichton; C. Lewis.
Kirkcaldy & Dysart: D. Gear; R. McGowan (J. Nouri); L. Anderson; R. Cooper; T. McKenzie; J. Smith (S. Jeffries); J. Bridgeford; C. Hannah; R. Kinnaird (S. Donald); O. Andrew; M. Wilkie. Unused Subs: C. Auchterlonie; C. Finnie; R. McEwan.
The Shipyard’s relegation worries deepened following another loss to a drop zone rival on Saturday, as this time they went down 3-0 to Whitehill Welfare at Ferguson Park. With the other teams in the dogfight at the bottom of the table picking up valuable points in recent weeks, a gap is now starting to open up and although there are plenty of points still available, the Shippy need wins sooner rather than later.
There was very little action to report in the opening thirty odd minutes other than a succession of yellow cards for Shippy players. In the 35th minute Darrell Anthony ran onto a great through ball as he outstripped the home defence and as he entered the box and shaped to shoot he was pushed to the ground by the last man defender. As everyone waited for the inevitable red card and penalty to be awarded, they were shocked to see the referee wave play on. It really was one of those wow! moments that are inexplicable. Some might say that’s what happens when you are down at the bottom but it was a decision that could have severe ramifications for the Shipyard’s season. Jonathan Devers went close for the hosts twice in quick succession as the half time whistle loomed.
Shaun Keatings shot wide as the Shipyard created the first chance of the second period and at the other end Scott Costello parried and gathered a fiercely driven shot. Whitehill were on top now and Costy held a Steven Thomson free-kick and then Ryan Weir drove into the box but could not put his shot on target. The hosts took the lead in the 56th minute when Adam Zajac flighted a great ball into the box and Tyler O’Neill’s well placed header went in off the post. The Shippy almost replied soon after when a Keatings corner was headed back across goal by Sandy Strang but Jack Wilson could not keep his attempt on target. Whitehill claimed for a penalty when Wilson blocked a strike at goal and this time the referee showed no hesitation in awarding a spot kick despite the Shippy appeals that a Whitehill player had handled in the build-up. Thomson smashed the resultant kick high into the net. The Shipyard should have pulled one back in the 67th minute following a corner but unfortunately Mark James could not prod his effort on target. Whitehill went three up when they were awarded yet another free-kick from another innocuous challenge and obviously yet another yellow card was produced. That being said Bryan Wilson excellently dispatched the set piece giving Costello no chance. A Jordan Galloway free-kick hit the wall and Anthony’s follow up was blocked and an acrobatic Keatings attempt was not too far away. In the closing minutes the Shipyard created another decent chance but Strang headed over from a good position. Manager Dave Costello was brief but to the point with his after-match comments when he said “Everyone seen what happened out there today. I don’t need to say anymore.”
We are back in action on Wednesday night when Kirkcaldy & Dysart visit Recreation Park. Kick off under the lights is at 7.30pm.
Whitehill Welfare: M. McIntosh; K. Austin; A. Zajac; B. Wilson; J. Shyngle; F. Connor; R. Weir; S. Thomson; K. Mitchell; J. Devers; J. Grotlin. Subs: C. McConnachie; R. Dowie; L. Collins; T. O’Neill; D. Garvey; A. McNeil.
Burntisland Shipyard: S. Costello; L. Ross (S. Strang); J. Wilson; R. O’Donnell; M. James; C. Watt; S. Keatings (R. MacAuley); D. Anthony (S. Orrock); R. Wardlaw (J. Galloway); S. Glancy; D. Thomson. Unused Sub: A. Brown.
