Ovenstone's men aiming to resume promotion challenge

Last weekend ‘Port were left without a game as provisionally scheduled opponents Downfield had to play a Scottish Junior Cup tie against Broughty Athletic.

So, ‘Port instead played a friendly on the Canniepairt against Oakley United.

The hosts won the match by two goals to nil, with substitute Dale Reid the man on target.

In the first half, Kieron Conway twice had opportunities with headers from corner kicks and also had a shot blocked but there was little other goalmouth action during the 45 minutes.

Oakley went close with free kicks either side of half-time but it was not until Reid’s introduction that ‘Port began to assert themselves.

The striker hit the side-netting not long after coming on, then was on hand to guide the ball into the net after Oakley’s ‘keeper had failed to hold Fraser Anderson’s shot.

Anderson also created the next goal in the closing stages when he collected a pass from Stuart Walton and bent a dangerous ball into the far post where Reid volleyed home to seal the win.

The visitors had a couple of near misses late on.

Gavin Sorley had to tip over one long-ranger while another strike from the edge of the area clipped the crossbar in what was the final incident of the game.

It was a decent work-out for Tayport, but a more rounded performance will be needed to see off Haddington on Saturday.

John Ovenstone’s men did win the season’s earlier fixture 3-1, courtesy of a Jamie Mackie penalty, and wonder goals from Connaire Connelly and Alan Tulleth.

Haddington have had a tough time on the road this term but won 2-1 at Dalkeith last time out so will be in buoyant mood for their trip to north-east Fife.

The Canniepairt men could still be without a few regulars, as Alan Tulleth, Liam Ross, David Geekie, Sergio Alvarez and Scott McDowell were all on the sidelines.