Kirkcaldy YM v Kirriemuir Thistle

Kirrie Thistle's win last week counted for nothing when they returned to league business against a youthful Kirkcaldy YM and threw away a two goal lead in the closing stages. The opening exchanges proved to be tight with no notable chances either way. Kirkcaldy's challenge was made incredibly harder midway inside the half when they were reduced to ten men for a ridiculous kick off the ball on George from their striker. This sparked the game into life, Duffy testing keeper Adamson from range before McBride was denied from the rebound the first real chance of the game. Thistle's third effort on target looked to be a good one from Duffy but again the impressive Adamson denied on his debut. However he could do nothing about Kirrie's opener, a truly incredible strike from captain Robbie George on a ground where he claimed two great goals last season. The centre back collected the ball on the edge of the centre circle, 40 yards out then, after composing himself, preceded to half volley in the roof of the home net, 0-1.

The visitors had three chances in a row to double their lead but Adamson continued to thwart them, McBride having a header from 6 yards saved then his lengthy curling effort tipped over and full back Dempster was also kept out following a rampaging run forward.

The second half brought about more Kirrie pressure, a free flowing move involving Ogg, Muckersie and Massie allowed the ball to find it's way to McBride who, one on one, blasted straight at the keeper. However McBride did find a way to beat Adamson moments later when he  flicked a Muckersie cross under the diving goalie, open his goalscoring account for Thistle. Kirkcaldy's heads were down when they were awarded a free kick on the right hand side of the box. Up-stepped trialist Brown, who on his left foot whipped the ball goalwards up and over the wall and into the top right corner, 1-2. The young opposition were back in it, and striker Mckenzie was inches away from levelling the game following a strong run and shot from the left wing that narrowly missed the target.

The equaliser came with minutes left to go, goalscorer Brown curling in a devilish corner and Ormiston rising highest to head home from inside the box. Kirrie will look upon this as three points dropped rather than one gained having lead for so long but this must be forgotten as they welcome highflying Blairgowrie to Westview on Saturday, arguably their hardest game so far.

Glen Barclay