Carnoustie Panmure 2 Lochee United 4
Lochee United picked up their second league win in three days in defeating league leaders Carnoustie Panmure at Laing Park.
This was a vital game even this early in the season for both sides, given that a Carnoustie victory would have seen them go seven points clear of the champions.
A strong wind made things difficult for both sets of players but Lochee adapted better facing the elements in the first half, with Scott Webster forcing keeper Jamie Robbie to punch away his dangerous cross.
Then Garry Kenneth saw his effort drift just wide of the far post before Webster again had a shot that broke off Robbie’s legs for a corner.
Visiting keeper Jordan Millar picked up a sore one in a clash with a Carnoustie player and had to be replaced by John Sinclair, but it was the home goalkeeper who was soon in action.
On 28 minutes he raced out of his box to deny Kevin Milne but handled the ball and a free kick was awarded against him. Up stepped Danny CAVANAGH to rifle the ball home.
Danny Millar had a chance to double Lochee’s lead but his header went straight to Robbie.
The Gowfers were having their fair share of corner kicks which mostly came to nothing, though Sinclair had to look smart to deal with a Brian Clark free kick which he had to tip over the bar.
Seven minutes into the second half and the Bluebells increased their lead. A superb cross into the box by Logan Davie saw CAVANAGH coolly control the ball before passing it beyond Robbie and into the net.
It looked as if the points were heading back to Thomson Park but the home side fought back. A strong run and shot by Gordon Macdonald bounced off Ross Gallacher and into the hands of Sinclair.
On 69 minutes Grant Lawson replaced Gallacher and four minutes later Carnoustie reduced the deficit. A corner kick wasn’t cleared by the Lochee defence and Ryan ROCHE was on hand to steer the ball into the net.
On 73 minutes Lochee regained their two-goal advantage. From a Ryan Blair corner McCOMISKIE powered his header past Robbie.
However, the Gowfers again came roaring back. A quick break upfield caught out the visiting defence and Michael Cruickshank crossed for Bruce HEARN to give Sinclair no chance from close range.
It was game on again but five minutes from time Lochee sealed the victory. A great through ball from Davie found McCOMISKIE in the box and he rounded the keeper to notch Lochee’s fourth.
There was still time for Davie to bring out another save from Robbie, but the game ended in a very satisfying win for the champions.
Carnoustie Panmure: Robbie, Hearn, Roche, Conway, Dailly, Buggins, Cruickshank, McPhee, Clark, Macdonald, Dignan.
Lochee United: J Millar (Sinclair 26), Webster, D Millar, Kenneth, Kirk, Blair, Davie, Cavanagh, Gallacher (Lawson 69), McComiskie, Milne (Birse 77).
Reporter: Jim Davie
