Captain Tolmie is Newtongrange Star

Newtongrange Star's  captain BLAIR TOLMIE proved to be the match winner as he grabbed the only goal in this terse encounter. Not only did the stopper grab a goal but he put up a terrific defensive performance and marshalled the home defence to deny a dominant Kelty Hearts. 


New Victoria Park was the place to be today for McBookie East Super League fans when champions Kelty Hearts came to open the 2015/16 season. Both sides have made signings in the close season and the champions squad looks even stronger on paper than last season although a couple of players were on the injury list - most notably club captain Shaun Greig. Experienced defender Roger Duffin has also retired. Star have lost star striker Sean Jamieson to Musselburgh Athletic but brought in experience in the shape of Kevin Motion and Lee Currie. The club has also signed promising youngsters in Kevin Hamilton and Kieran Somerville, the latter joining on a year long loan from Livingston in the SPFL.

Kelty were dealt a blow in the warm up when Ritchie was injured and had to be replaced with substitute McCabe .

Star had the benefit of a strong wind in the first half on a decent afternoon for football.

The early exchanges were scrappy with a few robust challenges being made and Referee Scott Millar was kept busy - a theme that ran through the whole match with 10 yellow cards being handed out as well as a straight red for Star striker Kris Renton early in the second half !

Kelty took the game to the home side but the constant stoppages meant that there was little flow to the game.

After 10 minutes Star won a disputed free kick on their left and Chris King swung in a beautiful cross which utilised the wind. With the Kelty keeper Kyle Allison struggling to reach the cross Blair TOLMIE nipped in and his header gave Star the lead.

Star seemed fired up for the goal and a fine Thomson cross from the right was almost met by Renton.

Kelty slowly started to get a foothold in the game and some fine passing created a chance for Callum Smith but his shot was just wide of the far post. A minute later, Paul Currie fired in a fantastic shot but Keiron Renton in the home goal was equal to it. Hearts were starting to dominate and last season's top scorer Stuart Cargill headed just over. Next Callum Smith brought off another fine save from the home keeper who was in fine form. McCabe and Paul Currie again both tried their luck. As the half wore on it looked like Kelty would score and Callum Smith was only denied by a fine Blair Tolmie tackle.

Newtongrange were not seen much as an attacking force but Chris King brought Kyle Allison into action with a long range effort and then a fine long pass from King offered Kris Renton a good chance, but his control let him down. Just before the interval a mistake by Conrad Courts gave Kris Renton another chance but he pulled his shot wide.

Half Time Newtongrange Star 1; Kelty Hearts 0

With the advantage of the wind in the second period Kelty were sure to put the home defence under pressure.

Paul Currie started the offensive almost right from the restart when he cut in from the wing and forced a good save from Keiron Renton.

After 54 minutes Star seemed to be facing an even more uphill task in retaining their lead when Kris Renton received a straight red - down to ten men and facing the wind and determined  opponents !

Kelty dominated possession and Conrad Courts forced Keiron Renton into a fine save from a well struck free kick and Callum Smith blazed over.

However, as is so often the case in these situations, Star dug deep and despite a few scary moments they defended stoutly. Keiron Renton was in fine form and with David Dunn and Blair Tolmie marshalling the defence they frustrated Kelty to the extent that they ran out of ideas long before the end.

This was a fine defensive display from Newtongrange against a skilful Kelty Hearts who just couldn't find a goal. The game was a bad tempered affair and both sides were guilty of needless yellow cards.

Man of the match was Blair Tolmie although the whole home defence were solid.  The visitors were well served by Paul Currie , Tam Courts and Calum Smith.

Next up for Star is a visit to local rivals Bonnyrigg Rose on Wednesday 12th August whilst Kelty visit Sauchie Juniors on the same evening.

Full Time  Newtongrange Star1; Kelty Hearts 0

Teams
Newtongrange Star
Renton, Thomson, Noble,Tolmie, Dunn, Motion, M King, Cherrie, K Renton, C King and Cropley
Subs Murray, McManus, Wilson, Sommerville and McQueen GK

Kelty Hearts
Allison, Hughes, Gates, Carstairs, T Courts, C Courts, McCabe, Jacobs, Smith, Cargill and Currie subs McDonald, Penman, Gilfinnan, Morris and Morley GK

Referee Scott Millar, Assistant referees Steven Wilson and Tracy Walls

Gordon Baird
Neutral Reporter