Fighting spirit helps '˜Port nab crucial three points

Tayport.............................2

Tayport gave themselves a lifeline in their bid to avoid relegation when they came from behind to shock reigning Super League champs Kelty Hearts at Central Park

Alan Tulleth and Gary Sutherland were the goal-scoring heroes who helped bring to an end a five match losing run.

The visitors held their own in the first half and, although Kelty had the lion’s share of possession, ‘Port had a few chances during the 45 minutes.

Sutherland pounced on a defensive lapse but saw his shot shot saved by the ‘keeper, while Tulleth saw his follow-up blocked.

Sutherland was off target later in the half from a good position, then the talented Tulleth went mighty close with an audacious effort from inside his own half.

The hosts dominated after the break and Gavin Sorley made a couple of notable stops but could not prevent Hearts from taking the lead on the hour courtesy of a spectacular overhead kick by Stuart Cargill.

Given Tayport’s run of results, that counter could easily have knocked the stuffing out of the visitors.

But John Ovenstone’s men rallied magnificently.

On 75 minutes, Gary Sutherland sent over a cross from the right and Alan Tulleth was there to bundle the ball home from close-range for the equaliser.

Six minutes later the two forwards combined again with the roles reversed.

Dale Reid sent Tulleth scampering away down the left channel and he coolly picked out Sutherland who crashed a first-time shot beyond the goalkeeper for what proved to be the winner.

There was a late scare when a Scott Gates free kick came back off the bar, but ‘Port held on to claim a terrific victory and the support left Central Park in buoyant mood.

Tayport - Sorley, Ogg, Robertson, Kay, Anderson, Elvin, Rollo, Tulleth (Rennie), Sutherland, Connelly, Cavanagh (Reid).