ONCE they got going Beith had few problems securing the points against a young, inexperienced Dalry side last Wednesday.

The Ayrshire District League side’s indiscipline also contributed to their downfall after they made a decent start to the match, defending resolutely to keep the home side at bay for over half an hour.

However, it was Beith defender David Donnelly picked up the games first yellow card when he was caught on the ball early doors trying to be a bit too clever.

Unsurprisingly Beith had the bulk of possession but were having difficulty creating clear chances. Andy Reid found himself through from a Kenny McLean header but couldn’t apply a finish before he limped off after 20 minutes.

Dalry keeper Brian Hewitt then turned efforts from David McGowan behind before Beith broke the deadlock from a resulting corner when the ball broke to Darren Christie who shot home in a crowded box. A minute later the advantage was doubled when, from a quick throw in, McLean found Mark McShane at the back post to head home.

Before Dalry had any real chance to re-group, the match was effectively over, when from another corner Nicky Docherty pounced to shoot home after the visitors failed to clear their lines.

Things went from bad to worse for the visitors as they tried to hold things together for the break.

Zander Ryan hit the post with the goal gaping just before Dalry centre back Boyle collected a straight red card from referee Craig Napier for cynically bringing down Docherty in the box as he sped in on goal. McLean duly despatched the penalty. Dalry boss Gavin Friels also had to watch the second period from the terracing for voicing his displeasure to the officials as they left the pitch.

Beith quickly added number five following the restart when McShane headed a Christie corner on for McLean to glance a header home. McLean then turned provider before he left the field after picking up a poor Hewitt clearance and crossing for McGowan to head home with Dalry all at sea.

Daniel McKay then showed an unexpected turn of pace to get to a through ball first and finish confidently.

A night to forget for Dalry ended with another unhappy incident with winger Ryan Cumming heading for the showers a few seconds early, again for directing abuse at the referee.

BEITH: Strain; Ryan, Wilson, Donnelly, McShane, McKeown, Christie, Frize, McLean, Reid, McGowan. Subs: Bradley, Sheridan, McKay, MacDonald, Docherty.

DALRY THISTLE: Hewitt; Friels, Guinea, Tolland, Boyle, Calder, Hislop, Lockhart, Singleton, Archdeacon, Cumming. Subs: Gray, Irvine, Millan, Carstairs.

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