McBookie Super League Premier Division

GLENAFTON ATHLETIC 1

BEITH JUNIORS 0

A HARD-working Glens side gained revenge for their heavy defeat at Bellsdale earlier in the season and at the same time probably extinguished Beith’s remaining outside title hopes.

Beith started reasonably well against a strong wind but went behind in the 12th minute conceding a messy goal. A disputed corner was delivered into the box where upon a wayward shot landed fortuitously at the feet of Kyle McAusland and he shot home from seven yards.

The visitors tried to respond and got forward regularly, often via Richie Burke, but they found it hard to keep possession to build any sustained pressure. Thomas Collins managed a couple of attempts on goal but lacked power while strike partner Andy Reid, despite his class, posed only the occasional threat.

Both goalies had little to do as the contest was generally fought out in midfield. Glens ex Kilbirnie midfielder Borris and and ex-Talbot full back Ally Park collected yellow cards in what could only be seen as a scrappy affair.

Hopes remained that Beith could and would up the ante in the second half and they added to a steadily increasing number of corners but still couldn’t create a clear chance. Glens gave a penalty shout when McCann went down in the box under a challenge from McDonald and then Beith looked to have a more convincing claim declined when Andy Reid was bundled over by McKernon as he made for goal onto a Burke pass.

Beith were seeing a lot of the ball without getting a break and as time ticked on became increasingly frustrated. Substitutions were made to try to increase the goal threat and a genuine opening was created half way through the half but Darren Christie pulled his shot past the far post with only the goalie to beat.

Glens got forward on the break on the big pitch, with Beith taking chances throwing men forward but they generally seemed focused on holding onto their lead. A Darren Christie run created an opportunity for sub Kenny McLean but he badly miscued in front of goal from Christie’s cut back.

The ‘bad day at the office’ vibes had grown steadily since Glens took the early lead and try as they did Beith just couldn’t find any fluency with time running out. Ever industrious midfielder Paul Frize had a couple of shots blocked in the box late on but Glens had enough strength about them to see out time to claim the points.

GLENAFTON ATHLETIC: McGarrity; Park, Cairns, Menzies, McAusland, McKernon, Borris, Moore, McCann, Andrew, Lynass. Subs: Marlow, McGill, McKnight, McChesney, Watson.

BEITH: Grindlay; McGlinchey, N Docherty, MacDonald, McLaughlin, Wilson, Christie, Frize, Collins, Reid, Burke. Subs: McLean, McPherson, Bradley, Milliken, R Docherty.