Victory keeps Shotts Bon Accord in the hunt

Dec 31 2008 by Andrew Weston, Wishaw Press

SHOTTS Bon Accord remain in the hunt for promotion back to the Stagecoach West of Scotland Premier League after a hard-fought victory over Kilbirnie Ladeside last weekend.

Kilbirnie had come out on top in the previous match between the two clubs in the West of Scotland Cup in September when they won on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

This time the home players were determined to gain their revenge.

After 20 minutes of half -hances at both ends, Shotts took the lead in the 22nd minute when Darren Ferguson headed home John Boyack's free-kick, awarded after Mark McKeever had been fouled on the right.

The home team pressed for a second goal but the closest either side came was at the other end when Longworth should have done better than blaze the ball over the bar with only keeper Alan Smith to beat.

After the break, Kilbirnie took command of the match but they just could not break down the Shotts defence for whom Gary McStay, Jamie White and Darren Ferguson were outstanding.

Kilbirnie's midfield play deserved more but it just wasn't their day.

Five minutes from time, Ladeside's Bell slide-tackled McKeever and the ball over the touchline. Legs became entangled and a couple of kicks were exchanged before other players from both sides got involved in an unseemly fracas.

The referee showed his displeasure by brandishing his red card in the direction of Bell and teammate Cochrane as well as that of McKeever after taking advice from his assistant.

After the match Shotts manager Duncan Sinclair said: "I was extremely pleased at the attitude of the players after the massive disappointment of the defeat at Renfrew.

“We got our heads in front fairly early on and the players stuck magnificently to their task.”