Early Strike Give Star Three Points

An early strike by Lander who got on the end of an Osbourne cut back from the left, saw Newtongrange Star secure the points against a Lochee team who enjoyed a lot of possession, but seldom threatened the home goal. The visitors never looked like a table topping side and Star eventually ran out comfortable winners. In an encounter which produced little flowing football, Star showed enough to suggest that last season's relegation fight will not be repeated. 

Lochee United arrived at New Victoria Park as McBookie.com East Super League leaders on goal difference. The Dundee side have lost only once this season, a heavy defeat at home to Linlithgow Rose, and managed a spirited 4-4  draw in their last visit to Midlothian, at Bonnyrigg. United did the double over Newtongrange Star last season and needed to get a result if they were to keep their challenge for a third Super League title going.  Lochee have two of the league's leading scorers in Bryan Deasley with 8 and Connor Birse with 7 - so they carry a potent threat up front - but eleven different players have contributed at least one goal. Star had a poor season last year and were lucky to escape relegation but seem to have improved a little this campaign, losing only once at home. The pick of their results being a scoreless draw with near neighbours Bonnyrigg Rose. They have not been so successful away from home but they have a much changed squad and it's early days. 

On a lovely Autumn afternoon the home side scored in their first attack. The ball was played out to the right and when Osbourne cut it back from the bye line, LANDER was on hand to fire the ball past Fotheringham in the visitors goal- the ball looking to go through the keeper who might feel he should have done better. 

Lochee created an opening after 5 minutes but Lawson saw his shot blocked. 

After 17 minutes Lochee had a real chance. Cameron crossed in a corner from the right and Birse's glancing header was just wide of the far post. 

With 19 minutes on the clock, Melvin collected the ball just outside his own box and the Star centre back ran fully 50 yards unchallenged, before sending his effort just wide of the goal. 

Just after the half hour, Wilson and Lander combined for Star but this time the United goalkeeper stood up well to make the save. Lochee's reply was a wild effort by Lawson. Before the break Porteus shot wide for Star. 

It was a low key first 45 minutes with few openings but Star just about merited their lead although Lochee were controlling possession as the half wore on. 

Half Time Newtongrange Star 1; Lochee Utd 0

No changes at the break for either side. 

Lochee were straight in the front foot and Lawson was nearly on the end of a cross. 

With 48 minutes played O'Brien was just wide with an effort for the home side before Cameron put a Lochee free kick over the bar. 

After 55 minutes Melvin mistimed a header and the ball broke to Cameron, but his effort was a tame one. 

On the hour Lander and Wilson combined before Wilson's effort was turned away for a corner. 

Lochee's Lawson then had a shot deflected but it was easy for Renton in the Star goal. 

Both teams then made a series of substitutions but it had little affect on the game. Star were defending solidly and Lochee never looked like finding a way through. 

The visitors kept pushing forward and Star tried to hit on the counter. 

This was a good win for Star against the table toppers. Lochee were never able to create clear openings and Mitchell and Melvin were solid and relatively untroubled at the back for the home side. Lucan and Cameron were best for Lochee but overall they disappointed on the day. 

Next up for both sides is Cup action. Star visit Armadale Thistle in the Fife and Lothians Cup whilst Lochee journey across Dundee to meet East Craigie in the G A Engineering Cup. 

Full Time Newtongrange Star 1; Lochee United 0

Newtongrange Star
Renton, Swaney, Mitchell, Melvin, O'Hara, Bracks, Wilson, O'Brien, Osbourne, Porteus and Lander Subs Amos, K Scott, Lander, S Scott and Lally

Lochee United

Fotheringham, Webster, Miller, Lunan, McNally, Kirk, Cameron, McComskie, Lawson, Birse and Deasley  Subs : Davies, Ritchie, McManus, Smith and Deane.

Referee Craig Wilson 

Assistant Referees Jack Frame and Niall McGuiness  

Gordon Baird

Neutral Reporter