Arniston Run Out  Derby Day Winners

Although they were probably the better side during the first half hour, Arniston Rangers never looked likely to score many goals against a Dalkeith Thistle team who never really threatened the home goal. However, a moment of madness gave the home side a penalty just after the half hour and a second goal right on the break, saw them go in comfortably ahead at the half time. When they added a third in 49 minutes, their first home league victory of the season, three points and a boost to their hopes of avoiding relegation were secured. 

It was a local derby on Wednesday night at Newbyres Park when Arniston Rangers entertained Dalkeith Thistle in the McBookie.com East Premier League. The home side were still looking for their first home league win of the season and as a consequence, sit in one of the relegation places. The visitors, who look set to move to the Senior ranks and join the East of Scotland league, are in decent form away from home and defeated St Andrews United 4-1 in Fife last Saturday. When the sides met in January, Rangers ran out winners by the only goal of the game. 

Dalkeith Thistle made a lively start and won a couple of corners in the opening 10 minutes but they came to nothing. The first danger for the Thistle goal came from a header after 11 minutes when Wright put in a decent cross.

Tansey was prominent for the visitors and he forced Cornet into a good stop at his near post with 12 minutes on the clock. Thirty seconds later Wright has a shot at the other end. However, neither side were carrying any real threat and defences were coping well.

After 13 minutes there was real danger in the visitor’s goalmouth however, when an inswinging McIntosh corner was headed off the line by Laing. 

With 19 minutes gone Ranger’s Cornet was called into action to deal with a speculative effort which was dropping right under his crossbar and the keeper did well to touch it over. 

McIntosh put over another dangerous corner before Tansey smashed a free kick into the Arniston defensive wall. Just after the half hour there was an unusual incident as Rangers defenders and keeper scrambled to keep out an effort direct from a throw in - the ball travelling right across the penalty area and nearly ending up in the net after appearing to hit the post - of course it wouldn’t have counted!

The Arniston corners were causing difficulty and after 33 minutes brought about the opening goal. The ball was crossed into the area and Caddow appeared to handle it as he jumped amongst players. Referee Lindsay and everyone in the ground saw the handball and a spot kick was awarded. CALLAGHAN stepped forward and gave Easton in the visitor’s goal no chance with the kick. It was a goal out of the blue really and it encouraged Rangers with Wright heading over from an Aitchison cross as halftime approached. 

Just before the break Rangers doubled their lead. Deland did well on the left and combined cleverly with Wright, creating the opportunity for WELDON to shoot home. Two nil to Rangers at the break and the game had changed completely in that 10 minute spell. 

Half Time  Arniston Rangers 2; Dalkeith Thistle 0

Neither side made substitutions at the break and Deland again was involved in Rangers first attack of the second half - winning a corner. Rangers were playing more confidently now and after 49 minutes added a third and decisive goal. JEFFREY got free on the right side of the box and his well struck finish beat Easton easily, the game had gone from being fairly even to all but won in a 16 minute spell before and after the break. 

Thistle looked a bit shocked at the turn around in fortunes but after 52 minutes Muir had an effort deflected away for a corner as the sought to get back into the game. 

After 56 minutes the visitors did pull a goal back. Tansey appeared to be upended by Cornet as he raced in on goal, although the keeper did seem to win the ball fairly. The referee thought differently and awarded a penalty. MCQUEENIE stepped forward and gave Cornet no chance from the spot. Dalkeith has been given a lifeline and after 64 minutes Adams headed over from a Tansey free kick as they pushed to reduce the arrears. 

Both teams brought on substitutes as players tired and one of them, Ranger’s Watson, struck the inside of the post with a shot with virtually his first touch - Easton relieved to see the ball come back of the upright.

Thistle huffed and puffed in their efforts to reduce the arrears but the home side scented victory and were comfortable at the back. 

The game became more physical and the flow was interrupted by a sequence of free kicks. Dalkeith did have a late chance but the ball ended up in Cornet’s hands.

A good result for Rangers and a deserved three points. Best for the home side were McIntosh and Deland. Thistle never really got going in what might be the last time this fixture is played for a while. Tansey was busy but they lacked any real creativity and the penalty they conceded proved crucial.

Next Saturday Arniston entertain fellow strugglers Glenrothes while Dalkeith host promotion chasers Fauldhouse United.

Full Time  Arniston Rangers 3; Dalkeith Thistle 1

Arniston Rangers

Cornet, Aitchison, Deland, Callaghan, Woods, McTernan, Somerville,Jeffrey, Wright, Weldon and McIntosh Subs Watson, Thomson, Lesley, Dunn and McFadden 

Dalkeith: 

Easton, Murray, McQueenie, McBeth, Caddow, Connell, Wales, Laing, Adams, Tansey, Muir Subs: McNeil, Hall, Whyte, Buckley and McQueen

Referee 

Keith Lindsay 

Gordon Baird

Neutral Reporter