McBookie Super League Premier Division

BEITH JUNIORS 1

HURLFORD UNITED 3

WEDNESDAY night saw Beith lose out to a motivated Hurlford side who have in most people's eyes underperformed this season.

However right from the outset the visitors seemed intent on securing the points needed to pull clear of any further relegation threat and they were the better side in most departments in a very entertaining match despite Beith creating plenty of chances.

The contest opened at a fast pace that continued throughout with both sides clearly focused on attack. Beith had slightly the better of early exchanges but keeper Murchie had the first of many good stops to deny Paul Frize and Darren Christie shot past from a decent position before Hurlford took the lead via their considerable ariel threat. A free kick was temptingly whipped into the Beith box and touched on for Kelly to nod over the line despite desperate attempts to clear.

The end-to-end action continued with Hurlford having the edge with most of their moves going through nippy Paul McKenzie.

Beith's depleted side was further hit for the restart with powerhouse Jamie Wilson limping out of the game with an ankle injury - Calum Watt replacing.

The hosts were not getting a break in front of goal with two Richie Burke efforts blocked on the line as they chased a goal. At the other end they did well to survive a major goalmouth when Hurlford swept forward in another quick attack.

Beith drew level on the hour and luck was certainly not required when Darren Christie cut inside off the wing to fire a great shot over Murchie and into the top corner.

The joy was shortlived, however as the visitors quickly broke to the other forcing Digny to make a fine save to turn away a Kean shot but he smartly gathered the loose ball and turned it back across for Brash to force the ball home from close in.

The action continued with Murchie making a point blank save to block a netbound McPherson shot while Kean passed up a good opportunity to increase his side's lead shooting straight at Digny when clear.

Hurlford all but sealed the points in 78 minutes in another quick attack when Stewart Kean broke and squared to sub Mar Roberts who picked his spot to finish the move.

Beith never gave up the fight but several corners came to nothing and 'Ford keeper Murchie continued his fine form with good saves to deny Frize and Christie.

BEITH: Digney; McGlinchey, Burke, MacDonald, Sheridan, Wilson, Bradley, Frize, Collins, Christie, McGowan. Subs: McPherson, Watt, McArthur, Elliot, Grindlay (gk)

HURLFORD UNITED: Murchie, Hodge, McKillen, Fisher, C Robertson, Molloy, McKenzie, Brash, Kean, R Robertson, Kelly. Subs: Byrne, M Robertson, Chisholm, Marenghi, A Brown (gk)