Six of the worst for Kirkcaldy & Dysart

The visitors had won all of the Conference A games so far, so the hosts knew they were in for a tough afternoon.

With only Stephen Page returning from the injury list the squad included a large number of under 20s, with Euan Henderson also making the starting line for the first team this season, also as captain.

The strong winds were always going to have a major impact on the game and the visitors had this advantage in the first half.

Despite a decent start by the home team they went behind early in the game yet again in six minutes, after a scramble in the box the ball fell kindly to Gabri Auriemma for a simple tap in from close range – the first of four goals he would score.

To the YM’s credit they took the game to the visitors and put them under increasing pressure with some good play down both wings.

Chris Ireland was causing the Haddington defence all sorts of problems and from two corners and an excellent cross from Morgan he just failed on each occasion to finish off, and get the YM back on level terms which at this stage they would have deserved.

However as happens when luck is against you the home side suffered three blows in the space of six minutes.

Firstly the impressive Chris Price had to leave the field with concussion after a heavy challenge, then totally against the run of play, Haddington doubled their lead after a poor headed clearance went straight to the onrushing Auriemma on the edge of the box, whose wind assisted shot flew straight over keeper Duran’s head.

Further disappointment followed two minutes later with a fine long range effort from Ross King found its way into the corner of the net for number three.

The final 15 minutes of the half saw the visitors increase the pressure but to their credit YM hung on and the first half finished at 3-0 down.

If the hosts thought at least they would have the advantage of the wind in the second half, they were disappointed as it calmed down.

Haddington took full advantage of the YM not coming out for this half fully focused and scored three goals in a ten minute spell just after half time.

The fourth goal was a simple lob over the keeper from a through ball to allow Auriemma to complete his hat trick, with his fourth and the team’s fifth coming about after some really poor defending on 53 minutes.

The final goal to finish the day was a 59th minute miss hit cross from Shaun Hill that found its way into the top corner.

With 30 minutes to play and fearing the worst again the YM to their credit held out with the help of some fine saves from young keeper Duran.

The young midfield and forwards certainly kept the visitors’ defence on their toes but they were way too experienced to allow any clear cut chances and the game finished with a 6-0 defeat.

The next fixture sees Kirkcaldy & Dysart travel up the road to Kennoway Star on Saturday, and hopefully some more of the lengthy injury list will be available for selection.

However it has to be said that the many youngsters who were all given a baptism of fire in the last two games, acquitted themselves admirably and they are a major part of the future for the club.