Thistle grab vital point in fight to avoid playoff

Armadale Thistle battled well in their penultimate Super League fixture at Newtongrange to grab a valuable point in their fight to avoid having to take part in a play off to secure their top league status for next season.

Newtongrange Star's good league campaign had tailed off in recent weeks and they faced an Armadale Thistle team who were fighting for top league survival.

On a brilliant early summers afternoon,  Star started brightly and after good work by Cherrie, Deland brought out a good save from Watson in the visitor's goal.

However, there was nearly ten minutes on the clock before there was any other real danger at either end. McManus broke down the right and his good cross was headed over by Cherrie. A minute later it was Jamieson crossing from the right and Kings's header smashed against the crossbar with Watson beaten.

Armadale had their first chance when a McLeod snap shot was turned away by Renton for a corner.

The game was being played in midfield with few openings at either end and the only action of note before the break was a deflected Dalrymple effort, which Renton dealt with comfortably.

As the break approached the crowd were enjoying the sunshine more than the football.

Half Time Newtongrange Star 0; Armadale Thistle 0

Star introduced Kris Renton for Deland at the start of the second half, but the change made little difference and there was nearly an hour on the clock before there were any good efforts on goal - a Feeney long range effort for the visitors.

However, spurred on by Thomson, Star were starting to threaten a little and he tried his luck from range. A few minutes later his corner was met by McManus who headed over.

Armadale were creating little but just after the hour, McLeod fired in a great swerving shot which Renton did well to turn away for a corner. Direct from the corner, Clark nearly managed to grab an opening goal with his curling cross.

Star produced their best attack a minute later, when after good interplay between substitute Renton and Cherrie, Kings shot hit the post.

A minute later, a Thomson corner was met at the far post by Tolmie, but Watson kept it out.

Star kept probing but the Thistle defence held firm with the only real chances coming from a Jamieson shot stopped by Watson at his near post and a near own goal when Watson rushed from his goal and missed the ball.

With a scoreless draw looking certain, Thistle nearly grabbed the points at the death after a fine solo effort by Dalrymple.

Armadale will be happy with their point and a Star look in need of a close season break as the goals have dried up in recent games.

Best for Star were Thomson and the centre back pairing of Tolmie and Dunn. Thistle's defence held firm with their front men looking lively -  but with little cutting edge.

Star finish off their league campaign with a visit to Junior Cup finalists Musselburgh Athletic next Saturday whilst it judgement night for Armadale on Monday, when they visit Camelon Juniors desperate for a win which might see them avoid that dreaded playoff. 

Result :  Newtongrange Star 0; Armadale Thistle 0

Teams
Newtongrange Star
Renton, McManus, Noble, Tolmie, Dunn, Thomson, Jamieson, Gillon, M King, Cherrie and Deland  Subs Kris Renton, Kerr, Wilson, Swaney and Amos (GK)

Armadale Thistle
Watson, G Brown, Clark, S Brown, Anderson, Bonnar, Mcleod, Taylor, Feeney, Thomson and Dalrymple Subs McCafferty, Milton, Mauchline, Cunningham and Beveridge ( GK)

Referee  Craig Ferguson 

Gordon Baird
Neutral Reporter