Reporter: JIm Davie

Downfield 2 Lochee United 1

Lochee United lost three valuable points in the Superleague championship race, going down to local rivals Downfield.

A mix-up in the Spiders’ defence in the opening five minutes was almost punished by Logan Davie, but the midfielder hurried his effort and shot wide.

The home side took the lead on 14 minutes when a cross from the left wing went across the face of the Lochee goal and Lee CAMERON, ghosting in at the far post, knocked the ball into the net.

New Lochee goalkeeper Josh Gorton had no chance with that one but he did prevent his side going two behind when he pulled off a good save from Ross Storrier’s free kick.

Kevin Milne missed a golden opportunity to pull the visitors level when he raced on to a Dougie Cameron pass and was one on one with the keeper, but Downfield’s Grant Adam made a great save at the striker’s feet.

Scott McComiskie then had the ball in the home net but was pulled up for offside.

Downfield’s youngsters were making it hard for the more experienced Lochee outfit with their quick tackling and eager running and they fully deserved their half time lead against a lacklustre Bluebells side.

The home team were quick out of the blocks in the second half with Gorton having to look lively as Kerr Hay tried to catch him out with a shot from the halfway line.

Hay was involved as well as the Spiders made it two on 47 minutes. He went down in a challenge from Alan Tulleth and, though the decision was hotly disputed by the Lochee players, a penalty was awarded and stuck away comfortably by Jordan COLQUHOUN.

The Thomson Park side tried to respond and both Milne and Tulleth went close. They got back into the game courtesy of Hay who impeded Dougie Cameron on 67 minutes.

The referee initially gave a free kick on the edge of the box though the offence was clearly inside, but changed his decision to a penalty kick on the advice of the linesman.

Dougie CAMERON stepped up to make it 2-1.

With that boost Lochee piled on the pressure and McComiskie went close only to see his goalbound shot blocked by the legs of Adam.

In the dying minutes it looked like skipper Greg Kirk was to pull an equaliser out of the bag but Adam was there again to grab the ball on the line.

With two minutes to go Downfield sub Dale Davidson managed to pick up his second booking in the space of a few minutes and was ordered off.

Despite this, the Spiders managed to hold on for a creditable victory and avenge their defeat at Thomson Park earlier in the season.

Downfield: Adam, J Colquhoun, Sivewright, Storrier (Snowdon 41), C Colquhoun, Cameron, Hunter, Thomson, Hay (Duffy 77), Farquharson, McLeod (Davidson 77).

Lochee United: Gorton, Webster, McNally, Kirk, Millar, Davie, Cameron, Lawson, Tulleth (Cavanagh 75), McComiskie, Milne (Buchan 75).