Kennoway Star Hearts 2-0 Downfield: KSH snatch first league success

The game started positively for the home side as first Collins had an overhead kick cleared off the line then a good run on the right ended with Mair`s cross flashing across the goal.

It was as positive a start to any game this season as Watson, D.Muir and Craig also stamped their authority in the middle of the pack as well. Similar to many games this season, getting the vital opening goal while being on top was a must.

As the half wore on, the tempo dropped and Downfield started to have chances of their own, Paterson raced out of his goal to make a fine block when the Downfield striker got his shot away.

The set piece count was mounting for KSH as a succession of corners and free kicks in and around the box seemed to be the best way for the home side to open the scoring.

First, a header from Doig was tipped over, then a header from Band saw the keeper follow suit when he made sure the half ended all square.

As the teams returned for the second half, there was a tension in the air. By far the more dominant team, KSH knew they had to take something from this game and the pressure that was on the players was building.

This saw a resolute showing as the players all dug in and competed against a physical Downfield. Brewster and Doig in the heart of the KSH defence were a particular stand out as the battled it out with the bustling striker from Downfield.

Chances were few and far between despite the large periods of possession for KSH.

Another Doig header from a Johnstone corner kick was saved yet again by the young keeper. A snapshot from D.Muir also saw a save that showed the away keeper in fine form as he dived acrobatically to his left with a one handed effort.

Downfield had the ball in the net with one of their few forays of the second half but the flag was already up as the forward strayed into an offside position.

With ten minutes remaining, Johnstone fed the ball to Band on the right wing, the striker played a ball deep into the direction of the goal, the keeper misjudged the flight of the ball as it crashed into the net for that bit of luck the home side were needing.

With two minutes remaining a ball set Bryce racing through on goal. The striker held off two defenders before sliding the ball home from ten yards and finally get KSH their first win of the season to narrow the gap on Kirriemuir Thistle in second bottom in the East Superleague.

Kennoway: Paterson, Mair, Brewster, Doig, Johnstone, R.Muir, Craig, D.Muir, Watson, Band, Collins, Subs: B.Rolland, L.Rolland, Swinton, Bryce, Lindsay.

This Saturday KSH are away in Scottish Junior Cup to Murray Hall. Kick off 2.30pm