Ten goals and two sets off “ultras” drumming and signing their hearts out certainly kept the very healthy crowd royally entertained in this first fixture of 2024. Sadly, for the Shipyard, it seemed like they were still in a festive mood as they gifted Thornton goal after goal after goal. Some of the defending could only be described as horrific, because as well as Thornton played, they did not have to work hard for the majority of their goals although Andrew Adam’s 20th minute strike was out of the top drawer. Manager Lee Richardson would have been happy that his team scored three goals, however, the concession of seven will have given him major headache.
Shipyard were more or less at full strength with only talisman striker Ben Anthony missing due to the injury he picked up against Edinburgh South last month. There was a home debut for Kris Murphy who started up front with Shaun Keatings. The morning frost has thawed out making the pitch playable, however, it was very soft underfoot with the pitch cutting up as the match progressed. Shippy got off to a dream start as they opened the scoring in the first minute when Dan Thomson scored from close range after being set up by Murphy. It was big Dan’s first goal for the Shipyard. Andrew McCallion equalised in the 16th minute with a low shot into the corner before Adam’s strike gave the visitors the lead. McCallion scored his second in the 42nd minute despite looking suspiciously offside, albeit the ball should have been cleared long before it got to him.
Hibs scored their fourth in the 53rd minute when the ball from a corner was allowed to find Jamie McNeish unmarked at the edge of the box and his volleyed effort beat Scott Costello in the Shippy goals. Keatings pulled one back two minutes later when he latched onto a through ball, dummied the keeper and rolled the ball into the net. Any hope of a Shipyard comeback was extinguished immediately following some calamitous defending, gifting the ball to Harris Duffy who netted. The goals kept flowing and Murphy pulled the Shippy back into it again when he rolled the ball into an empty net. With 29 minutes remaining there was plenty of time for more goals but a flurry of substitutions seemed to take the momentum out of the match and it was not until the 87th minute Lee Horsburgh was gifted Thornton’s sixth and a minute later it was seven when Garry Thomson lobbed Costello following another horrendous mistake.
Next week (13/01/2024) it’s another Fife derby as we head to Treaton Park to face Kennoway Star Hearts with the kick off at 2pm.
Burntisland Shipyard: S. Costello; L. Ross (M. Gibb); I. Millar (M. Robertson); E. Bauld; K. Hicks; C. Watt; D. Thomson (R. Watt); M. James; K. Murphy; S. Keatings (C. Lewis); S. Glancy (CJ. Thomson). Unused Subs: H. Kay & B. Dickson.
Thornton Hibs: C. Sutherland; N. Laird; D. McMillan; S. Drummond; S. Cunningham; K. Allan; M. Black; A. Adam; A. McCallion; G. Thomson; J. McNeish. Subs: C. Doctor; M. Coleman; H. Duffy; J. Soutar; R. Hain; L. Horsburgh; R. Crichton.
The Shipyard let two points slip out of their hands as a sloppy second half defensive performance saw them concede three goals in a ten minute spell. All this coming after a dominant first half that had saw them comfortably establish a two goal lead, indeed if it hadn’t been for some contentious offside decisions the Shippy would have been out of sight before the half-time whistle blew. Add in a missed penalty, albeit a very soft award, at the start of the second period then you can get a measure of the visitor’s frustrations. Shipyard players felt that they had a stronger penalty claim turned down when Shaun Keatings was hauled down as he tried to get on the end of a Ben Anthony cross and Anthony himself looked on in anguish as his late strike took a deflection, hit the post and bounced to safety. There was a lot to be positive about especially in an attacking sense but once again lapses at the back proved to be very costly. Scott Costello, CJ Thomson, Mark James and Anthony all returned to the starting eleven following last week’s friendly against Hill of Beath.
Jamesy opened the scoring after 90 seconds.
Shippy got off to the perfect start as they took the lead inside 90 seconds when James placed the ball into the corner of the net following good work from Ryan Watt and Anthony. CJ Thomson’s shot was blocked and Anthony’s low cross was cleared as the visitors dominated. The ball was in the net again as Watt flicked on D Thomson’s cross and James outjumped home keeper Steven Kay to head home, however, the referee apparently gave offside. The Shipyard players were becoming frustrated with the continuous offside decisions, none more so than Anthony who was cautioned for complaining about it. In the 28th minute James played a delightful ball to Keatings who’s cross found Anthony but the strikers lob landed on the top of the net. Shipyard got the second goal their play merited in the 32nd minute when Keatings knocked home Anthony’s cross despite the best efforts of Kay to keep it out. Anthony and Watt had shots blocked in quick succession before Easthouses came into the match as they forced a few corners. Their best chance fell to Darren Leslie but the forward put the ball over from a very good position. On the stroke of half-time Anthony hit a speculative strike from all of forty yards and Kay had to be alert as he got back and tipped the audacious attempt over at the expense of a corner.
Kay came out for the start of the second half but was clearly unwell, therefore, he was replaced by Daniel Simpson between the sticks and Shipyard replaced D Thomson with Sandy Strang.
Simpson’s first task was to face a penalty as Lily were harshly penalised for a challenge on CJ Thomson close to the goal line. The normally proficient Keatings blazed the kick high over the bar and you could sense that the hosts got a lift from this. In the 51st minute Strang just failed to get on the end of an Anthony pass before Easthouses came storming back into the match. Lily took a quick throw on the righthand side that caught Shippy napping and when the cross came in Shaun Hill netted from close range. The hosts were level in the 62nd minute when Leslie’s looping header found the net. Shipyard were rattled now as Easthouses swarmed all over them and it was no surprise when Lily took the lead in the 68th minute when substitute Connor Dyet stole in at the back post to net. Shippy regained their composure and went searching for an equaliser and it might have come from the penalty spot, however, the referee did not react to the defender’s tug on Keatings as he went to get on the end of an Anthony pass. It was all square with ten minutes remaining as Strang headed a Keatings free kick over the stranded keeper and into the net. Anthony went agonisingly close in the 84th minute when his shot took a slight deflection leaving Simpson helpless but the ball hit the inside of the post and bounced to safety. In added time CJ Thomson head flicked the ball on to Anthony, however, Benji dithered and was closed down. Costello had to be on his toes as a free kick driven towards goal was creeping in at the post until the big keeper got down to save. Costy picked up a nasty knee injury in the closing stages after he collided with the Easthouses player who was bearing down on goal; however, he was able to continue after treatment.
Costy took a blow to the knee late on.
Next week we are on the road again as we make the long trip to the borders to face Coldstream at Home Park. Kick-off is at 2.30pm. We are running a bus which will leave Dollar Road at 11.15am. Some seats are still available and can be booked by contacting the Club through its social media platforms.
Easthouses Lily: S. Kay; L. Smith; L. Watson; R. McQueenie; T. Rogan; R. Kearney; D. Leslie (D. Simpson); N. Janczyk; J. Burrows; S. Hill; S. Barrie. Subs: L. Sives; P. McDermott; A. Anderson; C. McBeth; C. Dyet; R. Wyllie.
Burntisland Shipyard: S. Costello; L. Ross; M. Robertson; M. Gibb; I. Millar; CJ. Thomson; D. Thomson (S. Strang); M. James; B. Anthony; S. Keatings; R. Watt (B. Murray). Unused Subs: B. Dickson; H. Kay; E. Bauld.
This was always going to be a tough ask for the Shipyard, all the tougher given that there were seven men missing from the match day squad. However, those on duty put in a solid shift against the league leaders and could count themselves unfortunate to concede three goals as they restricted the visitor’s chances throughout the match. The Recreation Park pitch was in fine condition for the match but still very soft underfoot and it was no surprise that the surface cut up as the match progressed.
The match was preceded by the teams lining up to observe a minute’s silence in respect of Armistice Day and the game then kicked off in front of a healthy crowd inside the ground. Shipyard started brightly and forced a series of corners in the opening minutes but could not capitalise on their set piece opportunities. In the 9th minute CJ Thomson saw his powerful strike flash narrowly wide of the post. Bo’ness took the lead in the 13th minute with their first real attack of the match as they broke down the left-hand side and when the cross was delivered Christopher Ogilvie was on hand to knock the ball home from close range. There was little in the way of goalmouth action for the rest of the half until Shippy switched off a couple of minutes before the break. A free kick was delivered into the box and Ryan Weir was left all alone to stoop and head the ball past Scott Costello from around six yards out.
Shipyard made a double change at the interval with Ben Anthony and Matty Robertson replacing Ryan Watt and Michael Gibb. Costello pulled off a decent save in the 49th minute as he palmed an effort over the bar as Bo’ness looked to kill the game off. The game was put to bed just before the hour mark as substitute Callum MacDonald slammed the ball home from inside the area after the ball was worked down the right-hand side. Bo’ness continued to dominate and had a couple of chances to increase their lead but overall, the Shipyard defended resolutely. When Shippy did get forward keeper Fraser Currid and his defence were in no mood to give up their clean sheet and very much kept the hosts at arm’s length.
Next Saturday (18/11/2023) we turn to King Cup action as we host Edinburgh United at Recreation Park with the kick off at 2.30pm.
Burntisland Shipyard: S. Costello; L. Ross; M. Gibb (M. Robertson); M. James; K. Hicks; C. Watt; R. Watt (B. Anthony); S. Glancy; B. Murray (R. MacAulay); CJ. Thomson (B. Dickson); D. Thomson. Unused Sub: H. Kay.
Bo’ness Athletic: F. Currid; J. Mitchell; R. Shanks; W. Paterson; B. Woodburn; J. Mackay; C. Ogilvie; C. Snedden; M. Weir; R. Weir; R. Robertson. Subs: K. Wilson; C. Simpson; C. MacDonald; J. Sneddon; B. Lenathen.
There were no goals but plenty of talking points in this ferociously fought Fife derby at Memorial Park on Saturday. The Shipyard were disappointed to only leave with a point given how much territory and possession they had, especially once Hibs were reduced to ten men, but once again they did not have enough efforts on target to muster that all important goal. Ethan Bauld and Harris Kay were missing after picking up injuries against East Fife. Mikey Couser, Matty Robertson and Ben Anthony were also absent from the squad that was on duty at New Bayview though Scott Costello and Sam Glancy returned. There was a Shippy debut, from the bench, for local youngster Boyd Dickson who signed for the Club on Thursday following a spell with Raith Rovers Community Club.
Boyd Dickson following his Shipyard debut.
Ex Shipyard player Raymond Crichton could count himself lucky the referee was lenient in the early minutes as only one of his two poor challenges was punished with a yellow card. There was very little goalmouth action in the early exchanges as both teams struggled to get to grips with the heavy pitch and it wasn’t until the 19th minute that an Iain Millar volley went close. Mark James then headed over from a corner as the Shippy started to get on top. Hibs were aggrieved that a Kearyn Hicks challenge only merited a yellow card following his tackle near the touchline. Thornton came more into the match as the first half drew to a close, however, Scott Costello was not unduly troubled in the Shippy goals.
The Shipyard started the second period strongly with Michael Gibb seeing his shot blocked then Shaun Keatings may have been better served heading the ball towards goal rather than bringing it down on his chest, allowing the Hibs defence to close him down and clear the danger. James had another attempt at goal after a Shippy free kick was partially cleared however he couldn’t get his strike on target. The game erupted in the 64th minute following a wild lunge by Euan Hay on Millar with the Hibs man leaving the referee with no option but to show him a red card. Challenges were now flying in all over the park with the ref dishing out a series of yellow cards as he tried to keep a lid on things, which by and large he did, though some could consider themselves lucky not to head for an early bath. Keatsy drove a loose ball over in the 69th minute and soon after his free kick from the edge of the box curled away from the target. The free kick had been awarded after Dan Thomson used his power and skill to drive towards the area and was only denied a penalty as the referee deemed that the offence started outside the box. Thornton were still very dangerous on the break and Costy reacted quickly to deny the hosts when the ball fell kindly for them at the edge of the Shipyard area. Another driving run and a great pass from D. Thomson set up substitute Robbie MacAulay, however, is powerful angled drive whistled just past the far post. Costy saved low at his near post from Garry Thomson as Hibs again broke dangerously but despite all the huffing and puffing on the gluepot pitch the match remained goalless.
Next Saturday (11/11/23) we welcome league leaders Bo’ness Athletic to Recreation Park for their first ever visit to Burntisland. Kick-off is at the usual time of 2.30pm.
Thornton Hibs: Calum Sutherland; Dean McMillan; Stuart Drummond; Sean Cunningham; K. Allan; J. McNeish; H. Duffy; R. Crichton; G. Thomson; L. Horsburgh; E. Hay. Subs: A. Adam; C. Doctor; M. Coleman; A. McCallion; L. Rodger; R. Westwater.
Burntisland Shipyard: S. Costello; L. Ross (B. Dickson); I. Millar; M. James; K. Hicks; C. Watt; M. Gibb (R. MacAulay); S. Glancy; S. Keatings; CJ. Thomson (R. Watt); D. Thomson (B. Murray).
Two late goals from East Fife won them this Fife Cup tie, however, they were made to fight all the way against a determined and resolute Shipyard. The match looked like it might be heading to penalties until a great strike from Brogan Walls gave the hosts the lead with fourteen minutes remaining. The goal that clinched the match came in added time, just seconds after Shaun Keatings had struck the East Fife bar with a looping shot. Mikey Couser stared in goal for the Shippy with Matty Robertson and Ethan Bauld getting starts in the defence. Mark James moved back into midfield and Craig Watt returned in place of the unavailable Sam Glancy. Following his two goals from the bench against Stirling University Billy Murray started up front in place of Ben Anthony.
Shippy keeper Couser had a few impressive saves throughout the match, unlike home keeper Reece Beveridge who would have been happy that, despite several good opportunities, nearly all of the Shippy efforts were off target.
The Shipyard spurned a great chance in the eight minute when Keatings broke clear but he blazed over with only the keeper to beat. C. Watt then teed up Murray but once again the attempt was off target. C. Watt himself then missed a great chance when he headed over a Keatings corner from around six yards. The hosts started to put the Shipyard defence under a bit more pressure but they never seriously troubled Couser until the 35th minute. Mikey was up to the challenge though as he saved low at his righthand post. East Fife started to dominate proceedings as the first half was drawing to a close with Gregor Nicol shooting over. Couser then pulled off a magnificent stop as he denied Brendan Ramsay with an outstretched leg with the forward looking certain to score. The last action of the period saw Nicol again fail to find the target from a good position.
Shippy manager Lee Richardson made a double change at the interval with Lewis Ross and Anthony replacing Robertson and Murray. Benji was involved in the action quickly as be drove into the box but his effort flashed across the face of goal with no one able to capitalise on the loose ball. The Shippy spurned another great chance from a corner as C. Watt and Kearyn Hicks seemed to get in each other’s way with the latter failing to hit the target. Dan Thomson replaced the injured James after 52 minutes and six minutes later Couser made a good save from an angled driven shot. Richardson used up his quota of subs as he replaced Bauld with Michael Gibb and a few minutes later Ryan Watt came on for Harris Kay. The Shippy switched off at a short corner allowing Walls to find space at the edge of the box and his left foot curling strike beat Couser to break the deadlock leaving the big keeper frustrated at conceding a goal. As the game went into added time Keatings gathered the ball on the left hand side, he cut in and his looping attempt deceived Beveridge but agonisingly for the Shipyard contingent the ball struck the bar and was cleared. East Fife went up the park and sealed the tie with a scrappy goal as the Shippy failed to clear their lines and Ryan Schiavone netted from close range.
It was bittersweet for Richardson as he said after the match. “We defended very well for the most part but two loses of concentration cost us dearly. At the other end we needed to have more conviction when given opportunities to score.”
On Saturday (28/10/2023) we return to league action with a visit from Edinburgh South. Kick-off is at 2.30pm.
East Fife: R. Beveridge; S. Murdoch; C. Murray; L. Briggs; A. Wilkie; B. Walls; G. Nicol; P. Slattery; B. Ramsay; C. Hambrook; R. Schiavone. Subs: M. Rollo; L. Newton; J. Healy; J. Black; B. Taylor; T. Dickson; J. Comerford.
Burntisland Shipyard: M. Couser; M. Robertson (L. Ross); I. Millar; E. Bauld (M. Gibb); K. Hicks; C. Watt; M. James (D. Thomson); CJ. Thomson; H. Kay (R. Watt); S. Keatings; B. Murray (B. Anthony). Unused Sub: R. MacAulay.
