Survival battle goes on despite midweek defeat

Barry Sibanda netted a double for Saints but it wasn't enough to salvage anything from the game.

The two ‘Gowfers’ met at Barnetts Park on Wednesday evening in a vital league match for both clubs.

A win for Carnoustie would guarantee that they would not finish in one of the automatic relegation places, whilst defeat for St Andrews United would make it very difficult for them to retain their Super League status.

Most of the excitement and goals came in the last 15 minutes, with United perhaps a bit unfortunate not to get a share of the points.

United took a deserved lead when Barry Sibanda outpaced both central defenders and fired a shot over keeper Alan Cormack.

The visitors equalised with their first real attempt on goal after 22 minutes when Danny Millar out jumped Craig Brand at the far post. Millar then headed the ball into the goalmouth, where Ryan Roche scored.

The visitors were reduced to 10 men after 76 minutes when John Roberts received a second yellow card.

Two minutes later Carnoustie were awarded a penalty when Danny Dobie was penalised just inside the penalty box for a foul.

Jamie McCabe converted..

Carnoustie scored goal number three with six minutes left on the clock when Pat Smith scored.

United were almost immediately reduced to 10 men when Jamie Mackie received a second yellow card.

United put on a grand stand finish and Barry Sibanda scored his second goal of the game when he rifled a low shot past Alan Cormack.

A minute later United thought they had equalised when substitute Sam Buchan crossed to Ricky Patrick, who fired a shot just inches past a post.

United - Clarkson, Brand, (Buchan), Dobie, (McNeish), Mackie, Whitehead, McMullan, McInnes, Patrick, Rolland, Sibanda, Deane.

Subs - Cunningham, Murdoch, Sturrock.

On Saturday United are at home to Linlithgow Rose in a league match, kick off 2.30 pm.