Den Spark

Lochee Utd 3 Hermes 1 Lochee United came from a goal behind to win this match and progress into the next round of the Macron Scottish Junior Cup. Hermes knocked the Bluebells out of the Signature Signs Cup in Aberdeen in January by 12-11 on penalties after a 2-2 draw, but the home side gained their revenge in comfortable fashion, particularly after the visitors were reduced to 10 men. Hermes had the first sniff of goal in the 12th minute but Jordan Reid ballooned the ball over the Lochee bar. The unfortunate Reid only lasted another 10 minutes before hirpling off to be replaced by Elliott Macdonald. The opening 20 minutes were fairly even but Hermes shocked the home side by taking the lead on 22 minutes, Craig Macklin’s free kick being headed past Jordan Millar by Connor HUNTER. The visitors went down to 10 on the half-hour mark when David Stevenson was booked for simulation, his second yellow of the afternoon, so off he went. Lochee began to take control of the game and scored a spectacular equaliser eight minutes from half time. Ross McDonald made tracks down the left and the full back played in a beautiful ball to Alan TULLETH who sent a first time shot high into the net past Lee Sweeney in the Hermes goal. If the first half was fairly close, the second half was one-way traffic towards the Hermes goal. In the opening 10 minutes Danny Cavanagh had a shot blocked and Tulleth was unlucky to see Sweeney pull off a great save to deny him. From a Cavanagh corner Greg Kirk headed wide and a good move involving McDonald and Cavanagh saw Grant Lawson’s shot saved by the keeper. A goal had to come and it did so on the hour mark. Lawson did well to win the ball in midfield and passed to Dougie Cameron. He sent Tulleth through and his cutback was perfect for CAVANAGH to blast the ball home from close range. It was all Lochee against a tiring Hermes side who were offering very little in attack and sub Kevin Milne just failed to get his head to a McDonald cross. Reece Ritchie came on for Cameron and almost scored with his first touch, keeper Sweeney getting down to his right to palm Ritchie’s shot past the post. With 15 minutes to go and Lochee pressing for the third goal to settle the tie, Danny Millar came up for a Logan Davie corner and crashed a header off the crossbar. A minute later the tie was over as Davie scampered up the right wing and crossed for the inrushing RITCHIE to fire the ball home. A deserved win for Lochee against difficult opponents who were definitely handicapped by going down to 10 men and it was good to put last week’s disappointment at going out of the senior Scottish Cup behind them. Lochee Utd: J Millar, McNally, D Millar, Kirk, McDonald, Davie, Gallacher, Cameron (Ritchie 68), Cavanagh (Deasley 77), Tulleth (Milne 62), Lawson. Hermes: Sweeney, Nash, Mitchell, McKenzie, Burr, Begg, Hunter, Innes, Macklin, Reid (Macdonald 22), Stevenson.

Lochee Utd 3 Hermes 1 Lochee United came from a goal behind to win this match and progress into the next round of the Macron Scottish Junior Cup. Hermes knocked the Bluebells out of the Signature Signs Cup in Aberdeen in January by 12-11 on penalties after a 2-2 draw, but the home side gained their revenge in comfortable fashion, particularly after the visitors were reduced to 10 men. Hermes had the first sniff of goal in the 12th minute but Jordan Reid ballooned the ball over the Lochee bar. The unfortunate Reid only lasted another 10 minutes before hirpling off to be replaced by Elliott Macdonald. The opening 20 minutes were fairly even but Hermes shocked the home side by taking the lead on 22 minutes, Craig Macklin’s free kick being headed past Jordan Millar by Connor HUNTER. The visitors went down to 10 on the half-hour mark when David Stevenson was booked for simulation, his second yellow of the afternoon, so off he went. Lochee began to take control of the game and scored a spectacular equaliser eight minutes from half time. Ross McDonald made tracks down the left and the full back played in a beautiful ball to Alan TULLETH who sent a first time shot high into the net past Lee Sweeney in the Hermes goal. If the first half was fairly close, the second half was one-way traffic towards the Hermes goal. In the opening 10 minutes Danny Cavanagh had a shot blocked and Tulleth was unlucky to see Sweeney pull off a great save to deny him. From a Cavanagh corner Greg Kirk headed wide and a good move involving McDonald and Cavanagh saw Grant Lawson’s shot saved by the keeper. A goal had to come and it did so on the hour mark. Lawson did well to win the ball in midfield and passed to Dougie Cameron. He sent Tulleth through and his cutback was perfect for CAVANAGH to blast the ball home from close range. It was all Lochee against a tiring Hermes side who were offering very little in attack and sub Kevin Milne just failed to get his head to a McDonald cross. Reece Ritchie came on for Cameron and almost scored with his first touch, keeper Sweeney getting down to his right to palm Ritchie’s shot past the post. With 15 minutes to go and Lochee pressing for the third goal to settle the tie, Danny Millar came up for a Logan Davie corner and crashed a header off the crossbar. A minute later the tie was over as Davie scampered up the right wing and crossed for the inrushing RITCHIE to fire the ball home. A deserved win for Lochee against difficult opponents who were definitely handicapped by going down to 10 men and it was good to put last week’s disappointment at going out of the senior Scottish Cup behind them. Lochee Utd: J Millar, McNally, D Millar, Kirk, McDonald, Davie, Gallacher, Cameron (Ritchie 68), Cavanagh (Deasley 77), Tulleth (Milne 62), Lawson. Hermes: Sweeney, Nash, Mitchell, McKenzie, Burr, Begg, Hunter, Innes, Macklin, Reid (Macdonald 22), Stevenson.

BSC Glasgow 2 Lochee United 1 It was as easy as ABC for BSC as the Glasgow side swept Lochee aside in this William Hill Scottish Cup 2nd round replay at Alloa’s Indodrill Stadium. The home side dominated throughout bar a late flurry by a depleted Bluebells squad and deservedly won through to a third round tie away to East Fife. As early as the second minute Michael Anderson headed just wide of the target as the home side exerted the early pressure. Lochee keeper Jordan Millar then had to be alert to keep out a shot from Tom Collins. BSC Glasgow should have gone ahead on the 15 minute mark when Declan Hughes just failed to connect with a cross from the left. The home side must have wondered what they had to do to score when Jamie Hamilton crashed a shot off the underside of Millar’s bar on 21 minutes. Sixr minutes later, though, BSC deservedly took the lead. A corner from the right was cleared but only as far as David McKAY and he drove the ball home from the edge of the box. The Bluebells just weren’t in the game and, had Martin Grehan’s finish been more deadly in front of goal, they would have been further than one goal behind at half time. It took just 10 minutes into the second half for BSC to increase their lead when HAMILTON hit a low drive past Millar. Alan Tulleth came on for Kevin Buchan as Lochee tried to find a way back and Ross Gallacher had their first real attempt on goal after 62 minutes. The visitors came into the game a bit more without really hurting the home side and they at least were keeping the score respectable. Millar produced a great save from a BSC free kick, touching the ball onto the underside of the bar, but there was more drama five minutes from time. Substitute Reece Ritchie went down in the box under a challenge and the referee pointed to the spot. Up stepped Logan DAVIE to send keeper Ryan Marshall the wrong way. Lochee sensed that they might somehow salvage the tie and pressed forward, ensuring a nervous last few minutes for the home side. As Lochee surged forward BSC broke upfield and Jordan Northcott almost added a third but instead brought out another good save from Millar just as the whistle sounded to end the game. BSC Glasgow: Marshall, McCormack (McNab 64), Mills, Anderson, Smith, McMillan, Hamilton, Collins, Hughes, Grehan (Northcott 71), McKay. Lochee United: J Millar, McNally, Kenneth, D Millar, McDonald, Lawson, Cameron (Ritchie 72), Gallacher, Cavanagh, Davie (Deasley 85), Buchan (Tulleth 62).

BSC Glasgow 2 Lochee United 1 It was as easy as ABC for BSC as the Glasgow side swept Lochee aside in this William Hill Scottish Cup 2nd round replay at Alloa’s Indodrill Stadium. The home side dominated throughout bar a late flurry by a depleted Bluebells squad and deservedly won through to a third round tie away to East Fife. As early as the second minute Michael Anderson headed just wide of the target as the home side exerted the early pressure. Lochee keeper Jordan Millar then had to be alert to keep out a shot from Tom Collins. BSC Glasgow should have gone ahead on the 15 minute mark when Declan Hughes just failed to connect with a cross from the left. The home side must have wondered what they had to do to score when Jamie Hamilton crashed a shot off the underside of Millar’s bar on 21 minutes. Sixr minutes later, though, BSC deservedly took the lead. A corner from the right was cleared but only as far as David McKAY and he drove the ball home from the edge of the box. The Bluebells just weren’t in the game and, had Martin Grehan’s finish been more deadly in front of goal, they would have been further than one goal behind at half time. It took just 10 minutes into the second half for BSC to increase their lead when HAMILTON hit a low drive past Millar. Alan Tulleth came on for Kevin Buchan as Lochee tried to find a way back and Ross Gallacher had their first real attempt on goal after 62 minutes. The visitors came into the game a bit more without really hurting the home side and they at least were keeping the score respectable. Millar produced a great save from a BSC free kick, touching the ball onto the underside of the bar, but there was more drama five minutes from time. Substitute Reece Ritchie went down in the box under a challenge and the referee pointed to the spot. Up stepped Logan DAVIE to send keeper Ryan Marshall the wrong way. Lochee sensed that they might somehow salvage the tie and pressed forward, ensuring a nervous last few minutes for the home side. As Lochee surged forward BSC broke upfield and Jordan Northcott almost added a third but instead brought out another good save from Millar just as the whistle sounded to end the game. BSC Glasgow: Marshall, McCormack (McNab 64), Mills, Anderson, Smith, McMillan, Hamilton, Collins, Hughes, Grehan (Northcott 71), McKay. Lochee United: J Millar, McNally, Kenneth, D Millar, McDonald, Lawson, Cameron (Ritchie 72), Gallacher, Cavanagh, Davie (Deasley 85), Buchan (Tulleth 62).

Alloa at home next Saturday so looks like Sunday for replay.

BSCG/Lochee (Lowland/Junior) - replay next Sunday Next SUNDAY? Is that right?

Dundee Violet 0 Lochee United 4 Lochee United are into the next round of the Quest Engineering Cup after a convincing victory over Violet at Glenesk Park. It was an unfamiliar looking Bluebells side that started against their local rivals, with Danny Millar and Ross McDonald in the full back roles and Dougie Cameron at centre half. Garry Kenneth was on the bench and top scorer Scott McComiskie was missing from the squad altogether. Despite that, the visitors took the lead after only five minutes, Ross GALLACHER picking up a pass from the right and drilling the ball past keeper Fraser Burnett. The Pansies missed a great opportunity to level after 14 minutes when Lawrie Butcher sent his shot past Jordan Millar’s right hand post when it looked easier to score. With a strong wind at their backs the youthful home side had another chance on 20 minutes when Sean Tucker fired in a shot from an angle that Millar did well to block with his feet. At the other end Lochee had two penalty claims turned down when Kevin Milne and Ryan Blair both went down in the box under challenges from home defenders. The strong wind made it difficult for Bluebells keeper Millar when he dropped the ball under pressure and he was relieved to see Jordan Garden’s shot blocked by one of his defenders. But it was home keeper Burnett who was to suffer embarrassment when he dropped Greg Kirk’s up and under cross into the box leaving Logan DAVIE with a simple tap-in to double Lochee’s lead. Violet had a great chance to reduce the deficit two minutes before the break but Tucker, after brilliantly bringing the ball down and turning his man, fired wildly over Millar’s bar. The homesters came out for the second half in determined fashion and pinned Lochee back into their own half, but were caught out after only five minutes when a beautiful cross ball by Davie was picked up by Blair who in turn fed Kevin BUCHAN. The striker fired home from an acute angle off the unfortunate Burnett. Home heads dropped a little after this but Mike Edgar had a chance from a corner kick which he headed into the side netting. He was to rue that miss when Lochee broke upfield from Millar’s goal kick. MILNE outpaced the home defence and rounded the keeper before coolly slotting the ball home. Milne and McDonald both had chances to extend Lochee’s lead but the closest effort on goal came at the other end when tricky winger Cammy Ross cut in to send in a wicked shot that Millar did well to turn round the post. In the closing minutes Milne hit the bar for Lochee and also missed a good chance when he fell over the ball after being set up by sub Danny Cavanagh and Davie. The visitors rested a few players ahead of their Scottish Cup tie next week but were still too strong for a youthful and enthusiastic home side who gave a good account of themselves against their more experienced opponents. Dundee Violet: Burnett, Taylor, Kinnear, Connelly, Wilson, Johnson, Butcher (McWilliam 67), Edgar (Kelly 75), Tucker, Garden, Ross. Lochee Utd: J Millar, D Millar, Cameron (Kenneth 64), Kirk, McDonald, Davie, Lawson (Ritchie 69) Gallacher, Blair, Milne, Buchan (Cavanagh 64).

Chance for Lochee to get revenge on Hermes who put them out of last season's Signature Signs Cup 12-11 on pens.

Gartcairn had to play Lochee Utd at Petershill last season.

Hall Russell United 0 Lochee United 3 Lochee United got this season’s Macron Scottish Junior Cup campaign off to a winning start, returning from Aberdeen with a comfortable victory over hosts Hall Russell United. The Bluebells dominated possession against a young Aberdeen side which showed plenty of spirit against their much favoured visitors. With a strong wind at their backs Lochee were soon around Craig Carroll’s goal and, in only the second minute Logan Davie’s corner kick grazed the top of Carroll’s bar. Reece Ritchie failed to test the keeper with a shot high over the bar and Scott McComiskie should probably have done better when he chased a long ball but could only send his effort over. However, Lochee got the goal they merited on 16 minutes. A superb crossfield pass from Stephen McNally found top scorer McCOMISKIE and he gave Carroll no chance with a terrific shot on the half volley. It was 22 minutes before the home side tested the Lochee defence, Greg Hay sending in a shot that failed to trouble John Sinclair in the visitors’ goal. Lochee continued to enjoy the bulk of the pressure and hit the post with Ritchie’s free kick, but had to be wary of Hall Russell’s speedy front three who looked dangerous on the break. Keeper Carroll made a great double save to keep his side in the game, firstly from a Kevin Milne header, then a point blank save from Grant Lawson. The home side were given a golden chance to get back on level terms before the interval when a McNally slip allowed Curtis Kane through, but his pass to teammate Liam Duncan saw the tricky winger send his shot wide. The home side might have thought that they would benefit from the wind at their backs in the second period but it was Lochee who continued to dominate. However, they had keeper Sinclair to thank for keeping their lead when he pulled off a terrific save from the lively Duncan. Normal service was resumed on 58 minutes when the Bluebells added a second and it was a cracker. Lawson turned his opponent inside out on the left wing and sent in a beautiful cross that MILNE headed home. Hall Russell tried hard to get back into the game but they were up against a more experienced outfit with the ability to carve out classy goals. Their third on 74 minutes was as good as the previous two. Great interplay between Milne and Davie saw DAVIE put the final nail in Hall Russell’s coffin with a close-in effort. The home side never gave up and had a couple of efforts before the end but Lochee were quite comfortable and were rewarded with a shutout and a place in the next round. Hall Russell: Carroll, Donaldson, Grimbley, Harrison (Thomas 70), Kane, Marr, Rennie, Russell, Milne (Mackie 49), Hay (Critchard 54), Duncan. Lochee Utd: Sinclair, McNally, Kenneth, Kirk, McDonald, Ritchie (Buchan 75), Cameron (Gallacher 62), Lawson, Davie, McComiskie (Blair 77), Milne.

Edinburgh University 1 Lochee United 3 Lochee United progressed into the second round of the William Hill Scottish Cup with a hard-fought victory over Lowland League side Edinburgh University at East Peffermill, Edinburgh. The game was delayed by 15 minutes as the Lochee players and supporters had been held up by roadworks, but no one was complaining as the game kicked off in glorious weather and on a bowling green surface. The students were first to threaten, with skipper Luke Murray’s ball across the face of the goal just missed by the inrushing Ross Watters. The home side had settled first and on 10 minutes, should have taken the lead. Again, Murray was the architect, rounding goalkeeper John Sinclair, but finding opposing skipper Greg Kirk on hand to block his shot. Lochee gradually came into the game and Kevin Buchan and Danny Cavanagh both fired shots over the Edinburgh bar. On 27 minutes Grant Lawson fed the ball out to Scott McComiskie whose cross was headed towards goal by Buchan. Keeper Kieran McDougall got a hand to the ball despite Lochee claiming the ball had crossed the line. Stephen McNally had his hands full dealing with marauding wing back Murray and the Edinburgh man put in another dangerous cross which was again blocked by his opposite number, Kirk. There wasn’t too much in the way of goalmouth action though Lawson did have a shot blocked and Kevin Milne sent a fierce volley over the bar. If the first half lacked goals then the second half made up for it. The visitors began to dominate possession and after Milne and Scott McComiskie had come close, they went ahead on 57 minutes. Danny Cavanagh picked up the ball in midfield and found Milne whose cross was headed home by McCOMISKIE at the far post. Lochee looked likely to add to their lead and were unlucky when Milne’s effort came back off the Edinburgh bar. However, a one-goal lead is never enough and, with 15 minutes to go, the University side made Lochee pay for not cashing in on their chances. Ross Watters fired in a shot that Sinclair managed to turn round the post for a corner, but the Bluebells defence failed to pick up substitute Patrick Baird who flashed a header past Sinclair for the equaliser. The home side’s tails were up now and they came more into the game. There was every chance that Lochee might lose a game that they had largely dominated. However, seven minutes later they regained the lead and it was that man McCOMISKIE again, heading home a Cavanagh corner and the striker was a saviour at the other end as he cleared the danger after a stramash in the Lochee goalmouth. With just minutes to go, Lochee wrapped things up with a third goal. Substitute Reece Ritchie won the ball in midfield, played it out to Milne who, in turn, found LAWSON. The midfielder rode a couple of tackles in the box before slotting the ball past McDougall. All in all, a deserved win for Lochee, though they made it hard for themselves by not adding to their lead and allowing the home team a way back into the tie. Edinburgh Uni: McDougall, Murray, Purves, McGuire, MacFarlane, Daniels-Yeoman, Kemp (Baird 60), M Waters, R Watters, Sinclair (Maskrey 72), Maurice (Yusuf 60). Lochee Utd: Sinclair, Webster, Kenneth, Kirk, McNally, McComiskie, Cameron (Davie 83), Lawson, Cavanagh, Buchan (Ritchie 68), Milne.

If the implication is that the budget has been spent...on what? We've got 14 seasoned pros, two loanees and the rest are kids.

Dundee North End 3 Lochee United 1 A Gary Sutherland hat-trick inside 10 second half minutes consigned champions Lochee United to their second defeat of the season, meaning they have now dropped more league points than they did in the whole of last season. The visitors started strongly, with former Doken, Kevin Milne, heading over the bar in the first minute. That was followed by a Grant Lawson shot that hit the side netting. The home team replied with a Robert Malone header easily dealt with by keeper John Sinclair and a Brian Rice cross that was just too strong for the inrushing Sutherland. On the 20 minute mark Lochee took the lead. A Logan Davie corner was met by the head of Danny MILLAR who despatched the ball past Neal Ferrie in the home goal. Despite having the bulk of possession the Bluebells were finding it difficult to penetrate a stuffy North End defence and it was five minutes before the break before they troubled Ferrie again, Milne’s shot rebounding off the keeper’s legs. At the other end Sinclair wasn’t seeing too much action but he had to look lively to deny Sutherland when the striker broke through. The second half was to see the game turned completely on its head. After having a goal disallowed for offside, the Dokens were soon back on the attack and, on 50 minutes Ryan Rigden’s cross was met at the far post by SUTHERLAND to put North End on level terms. Lochee suffered a blow when central defender Garry Kenneth had to go off at this stage, with Reece Ritchie coming on and a defensive reshuffle having to take place. Seven minutes later, the home team grabbed the lead. A short passback by Stephen McNally was picked up and squared to SUTHERLAND who made no mistake from close range. On the hour mark North End struck again. A long ball out of defence was chased by SUTHERLAND who beat Sinclair to the ball and scored with ease. Sinclair almost gifted the striker a fourth with a loose ball which fell at the North End man’s feet just outside the penalty area, but the ball was cleared. Lochee tried hard to get back into the game but a resilient Dokens defence blocked them at every turn and the home side deservedly ran out winners against a side which suffered a rare off day. Best for North End were Sutherland and former Dundee full back Brian Rice who actually played for Lochee United in one of their pre-season games. For Lochee, Logan Davie continued his recent good form but, like his team mates, grew more frustrated as the game wore on. North End: Ferrie, Gibb, Rice, Ballantyne, Lunan, Allan, Rigden, Smith, Sutherland (Thomson 80), Malone (McArtney 62), Devine. Lochee United: Sinclair, Millar, Kenneth (Ritchie 50), Kirk, McNally, Cavanagh, Davie (Gallacher 78), Lawson (Buchan 78), Blair, Milne, McComiskie.

Saying that for months. Bar Kane Hemmings I've had to Google every signing to find out who they are and who they last played for. Imagine waiting until the free agent list comes out before adding to a squad that is now out of the League Cup and seven points behind the Championship leaders. Smacks of ineptitude or cost cutting.

Lochee United 5 Lothian Thistle HV 2 Lochee United deservedly went through to the next round of the William Hill Scottish Cup by defeating Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale at a windy and rainswept Thomson Park. With the elements at their back Lochee went at the visitors from the first whistle. On two minutes, Danny Cavanagh had a shot blocked, but the midfielder was only to be denied by a further minute. Scott McComiskie played the ball out to CAVANAGH on the left of the box and he sent in a curler that completely deceived keeper David Livie. Vale tried to hit back and Calvin Jackson unleashed a strong drive which Lochee keeper John Sinclair parried to safety. On 13 minutes the Bluebells went further ahead. Ross Gallacher found Cavanagh on the left and his dangerous cross into the box was missed by everyone except McCOMISKIE lurking at the far post. Four minutes later it was almost three, with McComiskie’s shot being parried by Livie into the path of Kevin Milne, but Milne found his effort blocked by a defender. Two minutes later, confusion in the home defence almost allowed Lothian’s Alex Cunningham a chance to pull one back but Sinclair came out to smother. On 22 minutes Milne got in behind the visiting defence, rounded the keeper and squared to Cavanagh, but again his effort was blocked by a defender. Cavanagh’s free kicks and corners were causing alarm in the visiting defence and Livie had to look smart to deal with another of the midfielder’s set pieces. The action flowed from end to end with Thistle’s Dylan Moore hitting the post and Milne heading a Cavanagh cross just wide. Two minutes before the break the visitors pulled one back. Cunningham found Sean Wringe on the edge of the Lochee box and he shrugged off a challenge before curling a beauty into the top corner. For all their superiority Lochee were only one up at the break and that was almost cancelled out five minutes into the second period when Craig Dickson was presented with a chance that Sinclair saved. However, Lochee regained their two-goal advantage on 53 minutes when a Cavanagh corner was helped on by Garry Kenneth and MILNE was on the spot to drive the ball home. Logan Davie was on top form for the home side and his terrific cross from the right was just missed by both Milne and McComiskie. On 65 minutes there was a slight scare for Lochee fans when Sinclair misjudged a long ball out of defence, allowing it to go over his head and towards his goal. But it was back to the other end with Davie once again setting up Milne who shot straight at keeper Livie. The visitors weren’t out of it by any means and, after Danny Millar had cleared off the line from Dickson, they were awarded a penalty with 20 minutes to go. Darren Smith expertly tucked it away for 3-2. With five minutes to go Lochee sealed the win, a Cavanagh corner being turned in by MILLAR. There was an altercation between Milne and Lothian’s Connor McGregor which resulted in a red card for the visiting defender and Lochee wrapped up the scoring in added time when Davie’s corner from the left was headed in by McCOMISKIE. Lochee United: Sinclair, Cameron (Lawson 70), D Millar, Kenneth, Cavanagh, McComiskie, McNally, Gallacher (Ritchie 85), Davie, Blair, Milne (Buchan 85). Lothian Thistle HV: Livie, Moore, Jackson, Crawford, Smeaton (Lally 65), McGregor, Dickson (Ormiston 85), Smith, Wringe, Cunningham, Doherty (Hendry 55).

Does anyone really believe we're going to bring in a keeper, centre half and creative midfielder by the transfer deadline? McPake/Nelms have had months to do it, but, as it stands, we're out of the League Cup, just been pumped 6-2 by United and seven points off the top of the league. Too late.

Coldside Road or Hospital Street. Easy to find and easy to get back on to the Kingsway for exit back down the road. Less than 10 minutes walk to ground.

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).

Lochee United 2 Forfar West End 1 A (very) late goal from substitute Scott McComiskie gave Lochee United all three points at Thomson Park. It looked like the spoils were going to be shared until McComiskie got his head to a Danny Cavanagh corner in the fourth minute of added time to break Forfar hearts. This was a disappointing game though, with very few clear-cut chances for either side. The visitors broke the deadlock on nine minutes when Callum Petrie went down under the challenge of Garry Kenneth and the referee awarded a penalty which Graeme HART stuck expertly away. It was 15 minutes into the game before Lochee created their first real opening, Kevin Milne setting up Danny Millar, who shot wide. Grant Lawson also had a chance but shot weakly at keeper Gary Thain. However, the Bluebells carved out an equaliser in the 22nd minute. Dougie Cameron’s free kick was touched onto the bar by Connor Birse and MILNE was there to hit home the rebound. At the other end Forfar’s Craig Batchelor was set up with a clever backheel but the striker miskicked in front of goal. A couple of minutes before half time Lawson beat a couple of defenders but his shot curled wide of Thain’s post. The second half was a bit short on goalmouth action as well with Kenneth’s header from a Lawson corner the only thing to trouble Thain. A few substitutions failed to lift the game and there was a flurry of bookings as the match became tousy. McComiskie came on for Birse in the 78th minute and was soon involved. Danny Millar’s ball into the box was met by the sub but he headed it back out instead of trying to loop it over Thain, who was well off his line. The Bluebells had a strong claim for a penalty when Cavanagh’s corner kick appeared to strike a Forfar arm, but the ref waved play on. Another Cavanagh corner found the head of Kenneth but went over the bar. As the game drew to a close there were corners at both ends and Jordan Millar in the home goal had to be smart to deal with Petrie’s inswinger. But it was at the other end that the winner came with McCOMISKIE getting the final touch of the game to give the home side all three points. It was cruel on the visitors who had battled away all game and they will certainly prove tough opposition in the coming games. Lochee United: J Millar, D Millar, Kenneth, Kirk, Webster, Blair, Ritchie, Cameron, Lawson (Cavanagh 62), Milne, Birse (McComiskie 78). Forfar WE: Thain, C Walls, Rae, George, Timmons, McKenzie, Weir, Montgomery (Godfrey 70), Batchelor (McIlravey 89), Hart (A Walls 65), Petrie.

Lochee United 2 Forfar West End 1 A (very) late goal from substitute Scott McComiskie gave Lochee United all three points at Thomson Park. It looked like the spoils were going to be shared until McComiskie got his head to a Danny Cavanagh corner in the fourth minute of added time to break Forfar hearts. This was a disappointing game though, with very few clear-cut chances for either side. The visitors broke the deadlock on nine minutes when Callum Petrie went down under the challenge of Garry Kenneth and the referee awarded a penalty which Graeme HART stuck expertly away. It was 15 minutes into the game before Lochee created their first real opening, Kevin Milne setting up Danny Millar, who shot wide. Grant Lawson also had a chance but shot weakly at keeper Gary Thain. However, the Bluebells carved out an equaliser in the 22nd minute. Dougie Cameron’s free kick was touched onto the bar by Connor Birse and MILNE was there to hit home the rebound. At the other end Forfar’s Craig Batchelor was set up with a clever backheel but the striker miskicked in front of goal. A couple of minutes before half time Lawson beat a couple of defenders but his shot curled wide of Thain’s post. The second half was a bit short on goalmouth action as well with Kenneth’s header from a Lawson corner the only thing to trouble Thain. A few substitutions failed to lift the game and there was a flurry of bookings as the match became tousy. McComiskie came on for Birse in the 78th minute and was soon involved. Danny Millar’s ball into the box was met by the sub but he headed it back out instead of trying to loop it over Thain, who was well off his line. The Bluebells had a strong claim for a penalty when Cavanagh’s corner kick appeared to strike a Forfar arm, but the ref waved play on. Another Cavanagh corner found the head of Kenneth but went over the bar. As the game drew to a close there were corners at both ends and Jordan Millar in the home goal had to be smart to deal with Petrie’s inswinger. But it was at the other end that the winner came with McCOMISKIE getting the final touch of the game to give the home side all three points. It was cruel on the visitors who had battled away all game and they will certainly prove tough opposition in the coming games. Lochee United: J Millar, D Millar, Kenneth, Kirk, Webster, Blair, Ritchie, Cameron, Lawson (Cavanagh 62), Milne, Birse (McComiskie 78). Forfar WE: Thain, C Walls, Rae, George, Timmons, McKenzie, Weir, Montgomery (Godfrey 70), Batchelor (McIlravey 89), Hart (A Walls 65), Petrie.

Very impressed by Luncarty's bowling green surface when I was there watching Lochee Utd a couple of weeks ago.

Think he's helping with the coaching, but too good a player to be on sidelines. Usually goes off with about 20 to go these days but Lochee miss him when he's not on the park.

Lochee United 2 Downfield 1 All the goals came in the first half of this league match at Thomson Park but all the talking points came in the second as a flurry of bookings and sendings-off coloured the action. The home side threatened early on with Scott McComiskie and Danny Cavanagh both having headers that troubled Spiders keeper Grant Adam. However, Downfield came even closer at the other end and the home side had keeper Jordan Millar to thank for getting down to foil Lee Cameron’s effort. On nine minutes Lochee took the lead. A deep Stephen McNally cross appeared to strike the arm of Calvin Colquhoun and a penalty was awarded. Dougie CAMERON made no mistake, blasting the ball high into the net. On 17 minutes it looked like it was game over when the Bluebells notched their second. Reece Ritchie crossed from the right and CAVANAGH was there to head past Adam. Five minutes later Kevin Milne had the chance to put the game out of the visitors’ reach but he miskicked in front of goal after being set up by Cavanagh. Downfield’s only effort at this stage was a 30-yard effort by Jonny Snowdon which flew over Millar’s bar. Cavanagh then came close to making it three, but his shot was tipped round the post by Adam. The Spiders were thrown a lifeline three minutes from the break when Kerr Hay went down in the Lochee box and a penalty given. Lee CAMERON gave Jordan Millar no chance and made it 2-1 at half time. Downfield had a great opportunity to equalise when Marc Ogg bore down on goal in the opening minutes of the second period but new signing Ryan Blair put in a goal-saving tackle to deny the Spider. With more than half an hour to go the Bluebells were reduced to 10 men when McComiskie was shown a second yellow card for a foul on Adam and Milne followed him into the book shortly afterwards. Despite being short-handed the home side were never under too much pressure but that all changed 10 minutes from time when Milne also saw a second yellow for kicking the ball away and he was sent to the changing room, leaving Lochee with only nine men. Downfield sub Connor McLeod spurned a good chance when he blasted wide of the target, but their hopes of salvaging a point were dashed when they too had a man ordered off, Dale Davidson the culprit for a fresh air swing at Cavanagh. Despite that, there was one more great chance for the visitors in the dying seconds when Lee Cameron found himself in front of goal but Jordan Millar bravely blocked the striker’s shot, earning Lochee a narrow victory. Lochee United: J Millar, McNally, D Millar, Kirk, Blair, Cavanagh, Cameron (Davie 72), Ritchie, Lawson, McComiskie, Milne. Downfield: Adam, J Colquhoun (McLeod 73), Snowdon, C Colquhoun, Sivewright, Duffy, Cameron, Ogg (Davidson 65), Hay, Tracey, Roy (Hunter 60).

Luncarty 3 Lochee United 2 A mysterious penalty decision a few minutes from time consigned Lochee United to their first league defeat in over a year at the hands of Superleague new boys, Luncarty. Although the winning goal came in controversial circumstances there is no doubt that Lochee were the authors of their own downfall, scorning a handful of scoring chances, particularly in the first half. Bleachers keeper Ryan Mitchell was the home side’s hero, making a string of fine saves to deny the champions. The game was played on a pitch that would put some Premiership surfaces to shame and in blazing hot conditions which necessitated a water break in each half for the players. The first 45 saw Lochee dominate with Mitchell saving from Greg Kirk, Connor Birse and Kevin Milne. It took 30 minutes for Bluebells keeper John Sinclair to make a save, this one from Kieran Donald. Just on half time Mitchell saved again, this time from a Danny Cavanagh free kick. If the first half was devoid of clear-cut openings the second half was to make up for it. In the first minute Cavanagh had a great chance to put Lochee in front but Mitchell got down to his weak effort quite easily. And Lochee were shocked when Luncarty went up the other end and opened the scoring, Sean Burton crossing for Kieran DONALD to head home. Mitchell again came to the rescue, saving from Reece Ritchie as the visitors pressed for the equaliser. The game turned on its head on 63 minutes when Robbie Holden had a great chance to put the homesters two up. Sinclair managed to save and, with Kirk calling upon the referee to halt the game for an injured Holden, the ball moved quickly upfield and Kevin MILNE managed to stab the ball through Mitchell’s legs for the equaliser. The Bleachers regained the lead two minutes later, Donald outpacing Garry Kenneth to fire in a shot that Sinclair could only parry into the path of Chris ANTON who slammed the ball home. After another water break Lochee were soon on the attack. Substitute Ryan Blair had two chances in the space of a couple of minutes to draw Lochee level, but headed wide on the first occasion and saw Mitchell block his second attempt. However Blair did supply the cross for Scott McCOMISKIE to flick home the equaliser for Lochee in the dying minutes for what looked like earning his side a draw. But, with just minutes to go, the referee awarded a penalty kick to the home side. No one really knows why the penalty was given and Kenneth was booked for his protests, but BURTON slammed the ball past Sinclair to give his side the win. So, a disappointing start to the campaign for Lochee, but a good win for a hardworking Luncarty side. Luncarty: Ryan Mitchell, Dan Walker, Danny Dobbie, Brady Heggie, Stuart Nicol, Jim Yeats, Chris Anton, Ritchie Montgomery, Robbie Holden, Fraser Mills, Kieran Donald. Subs: Callum Kirkcaldy, Mike Paton, Sean Burton, Sean Fergus, Kyle Mitchell, Kyle Green. Lochee United: Sinclair, Webster, Kirk, Kenneth, McNally, Ritchie, Cavanagh (Blair), Lawson (Davie), McComiskie, Milne, Birse (Buchan).

McPake getting a lot of credit for changing the side around at half time, but how has he allowed us to go into the new season so short of seasoned pros?