The ball keeps rolling for the Men's 2s
/Kelburne Men’s 2s v Dunfermline Carnegie Men’s 2s
1/10/2022 - 12:00pm
Kelburne M2s 3-2 Dunfermline Carnegie
Scorers: JG Shephard and Andrew McGrane (2)
Coach Chris Caldwell took his Kelburne Men's 2XI side away to Dunfermline Carnegie on Saturday. The now close knit and ever developing squad was in high spirits after the previous weekend's superb 3-1 win over Watsonians. Coach Caldwell asked for the team to continue their progression in performance with another controlled display, which would be vital if any points were to be taken.
The first quarter saw the home side apply pressure to Kelburne from the start, opting to try crash balls into the 'D' from the right hand side, with the visitors struggling to make the ball stick higher up the pitch. This resulted in a few short corners being conceded. However, the Kelburne defensive team were determined not to concede from these corners, which was a theme that would continue throughout the match.
Eventually however, after starting to come into the game, Kelburne took the lead in the 2nd quarter, through a well worked short corner of their own. A strong and accurate injection from player of the month Scott Love coming out to JG Shepherd, who used his experience and composure to calmly strike the ball inside the Keeper's right hand post. The teams then went over for their half time chat, with the coach asking for more from the players. Saying that if they wanted to get anything from the game, which was now being played in periods of heavy rain showers and wind, they would need to suffer together when necessary and earn the result.
Into the 3rd quarter, the score was levelled after Carnegie enjoyed a good spell in the game and broke down the stubborn 'Burne defence. A more balanced game continued, with both teams having chances and breaking down play well when required. With both teams feeling that the points were there to be won, the visitors pushed forward again in the relentless rain and managed to score a 2nd goal after a some brilliant counter attacking hockey to go 2-1 ahead through promising youngster Andrew McGrane.
Some sloppy turnovers from Kelburne then allowed Carnegie to yet again score an equaliser. With all to play for, the home side adjusted their system and pushed for a winner. The determined Kelburne short corner defensive team were again called into action multiple times in the 4th quarter. They managed to shut the offensive team out with some fantastic saves from Goalkeeper Lewis Berry who was protected and supported from his backline.
With the match looking to finish 2-2, the in form Martin Byrne managed to take instruction from the ever present veteran midfielder and captain Ewan Carmichael to block a Carnegie attack. This set Kelburne on a dangerous counter, ending with the ball in the net. Andrew McGrane sealing a brace of goals for the day, earning his side a well deserved victory and 3 points to take back to Paisley.
Next weekend, Kelburne Men's 2XI host Grange 3XI on Saturday at 12:20pm at Glasgow Green. Which promises to be another battle for vital points in the league. The following day, they travel to East Fettes for a 3pm push back to take on ESM in the cup.
