BEITH maintained their 100% start to their league campaign last Saturday at Kilbirnie’s Vale, with a hard fought 3-1 victory against PFD United of Clydebank.

The first 15 minutes or so was a keenly contested affair with both teams flying into tackles, with clear cut chances few and far between. The defensive backline of Jake Jacobson, Scott Brown, Ross MacKenzie and Matthew Sloan were resolute throughout, Graeme Crawford playing a pivotal role in linking them with his midfield teammates.

The first goal was always going to be crucial and it was Beith who got it thanks to good play in the 17th minute when Bradley Armstrong fed in Jack Craig who subsequently set up Lewis Steele to fire Beith in front. This goal settled any Beith nerves and the only surprise thereafter was that it would be another 20 minutes before Beith increased their lead. This time Lee Salisbury played a great ball forward to Lewis who in turn set it up perfectly for Ryan Brown to make it 2-0.

Beith continued on the ascendency into the 2nd half and probably should have increased their lead before the unthinkable happened and PFD pulled 1 back, in the 55th minute. Lady Luck was definitely on PFD’s side in the build up as a couple of debateable decisions went their way. However, this was to be the only time that Cammy King would pick the ball out of his net as Beith rolled their sleeves up and ensured no more shots would reach his goal.

The game got a bit messy with a spate of bookings for PFD before Beith restored their 2 goal advantage in the 69th minute thanks to great midfield play by Blane McLaughlin who played in Jack who in turn set up Lee to fire past the keeper for a great goal. Beith were now playing like a team that knew the 3 points were theirs with the midfield now dominating and Kian Halbert almost single-handedly ensuring the PFD backline never had a minute to relax.

Coaches Armstrong and Steele were full of praise for the boys at full time but some praise to them also five minutes later when they honoured an ice bucket challenge and allowed themselves to be drenched by the boys with eight buckets of icy water in full view of both teams and their parents - a sight to behold indeed.

Full-time: Beith Juniors 3– PFD United 1.

For the full story see this week's Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald.