McBookie Premiership

BEITH JUNIORS 6

PETERSHILL 0

AFTER the highs of the previous week's William Hill Scottish Cup victory, Beith had to re-focus on bread and butter League business against Petershill - opponents who have caused many a heartache in the past.

There was little between the sides in the opening exchanges and the first goalmouth action saw 'Peasy keeper Dey out smartly to block at Keir Milliken’s feet.

However the visitors had the first real chance in the match when a fine Wilson free-kick delivery into the box found Ketterer but he missed the target with a virtual free header. They were quickly to rue the missed opportunity when Beith grabbed the lead a few minutes later. An indirect free kick awarded for a high boot was taken quickly and slipped to Darren Christie on the edge of the box and his shot ended up in the top corner with the aid of a slight deflection.

Scrappy action continued with Beith unable to dominate and Petershill still very much in the contest with their busy forwards causing some problems. However the match turned in 34 minutes when visiting defender Haxton brought down Thomas Collins inside the box and a penalty was awarded by referee Gentiles. The offender was yellow carded for the infringement but then went over the top in his protests to the official and received another leaving his side a man down. Conner McGlinchey gave the keeper no chance, smashing the spot kick home.

The man advantage had an impact with Darren Christie seeing much more of the ball to put pressure on the visitors defence and he duly added a third goal before the break when a Joe Bradley pass created the opportunity for him to shoot past the keeper into the far corner.

The three-goal lead flattered Beith but it would have needed a minor miracle for Petershill to make a comeback and try though they did with Hamilton in particular working his socks off up front, it never looked likely. Beith generally kept possession and probed away, seeking another breakthrough and they introduced the fresh legs of youngsters Peter Haggarty and Jamie Middleton on the hour.

Beith had the ball in the net on a couple of occasions but dubious offside flags favoured the visitors until one went the other way and the goal stood when Collins tapped home a Christie cross in the box although ironically the winger, this time, looked offside.

Christie continued to be heavily involved in the action and was again the provider for Beith’s fifth goal in 79 minutes when he found Paul Frize arriving to fire home his inviting cross.

The forlorn-looking visitors were keen to hear the final whistle but conceded another from the penalty spot in the closing minutes when Ketterer bowled over Collins in the box. McGlinchey again gave the keeper no chance, wrapping up the 6-0 victory.

Beith: Grindlay, McGlinchey, N Docherty, R Docherty, Sheridan, Wilson, Christie, Frize, Milliken, Collins, Bradley. Subs: Middleton, Haggarty, McGowan, Green, Miller (gk)

Petershill: Dey, Barclay, Wilson, Haxton, Ketterer, Murch, Stokes, Kennedy, D Crerand, Hamilton, Gold. Subs: Deas, L Crerand, McCallum, Cameron, Toner